Overview
- A 41-year-old Novi man was bitten at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township and was taken to the University of Michigan hospital for treatment and access to antivenom.
- The snake was identified as an Eastern Massasauga, Michigan’s only venomous rattlesnake, which prefers wetland habitat and is typically shy around people.
- Fire officials called the incident a rare medical emergency and advised calling 911, staying calm and still, and keeping the wound immobilized at or slightly below heart level.
- Experts noted that many bites are 'dry' with no venom injected but that venom can be highly toxic, and they warned against cutting the wound, using ice, applying tourniquets, or trying to suck out venom.
- The species is protected and declining with roughly 250 isolated populations in Michigan, and officials urged reporting sightings and avoiding handling or killing snakes while public health agencies review antivenom availability.