Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 591 



We know but little about the habits or food of this snake. It 

 apparently does not wander far but remains close about the par- 

 ticular marsh in which it makes its home. They are quiet and 

 not easily disturbed or angered. When observed they will be still 

 or quietly glide away unless interfered with. Then they will 

 usually coil, assume a threatening attitude and rattle more or less. 

 The rattling, however, soon ceases, to be renewed only when again 

 provoked. 



The Massasauga is known to feed on frogs, crawfish, meadow 

 mice and shrews. We do not know that it ever feeds on fish, 

 but it is more than probable that it would not disdain to eat mud 

 minnows or any other small fishes it might find in its swampy 

 habitation. 



The one fact that this is a venomous snake is sufficient reason 

 for its extermination. 



The species is viviparous, the young being brought forth alive. 

 There are usually about six in a brood each 4 to 6 inches in length 

 when born. The birth of the young generally takes place about 

 the first of September. 



The Prairie Rattlesnake may be known from others of this 

 region by the large, flat, triangular head on a slender neck, the 

 presence of a deep pit between the eye and the nostril, the long, 

 erectile, perforated poison-fang on each side of the upper jaw, and, 

 usually, the presence of a rattle on the tail. 



Color, brown or blackish, with about seven series each of about 

 34 deep chestnut blotches, blackish exteriorly and edged with yel- 

 lowish; a yellowish streak from pit to neck; body sometimes all 

 black; scales in 23 or 25 rows; ventral plates 135 to 150. Length 

 21 to 3 feet. 



THE TURTLES 

 Introduction 



Nine species of turtles are know^l from Lake Maxinkuckee and 

 vicinity, a number probably greater than has been recorded from 

 any other locality in the State. Five of the nine species are 

 abundant, while each of the remaining four is rare. 



The turtles constitute an interesting and important branch of 

 the local fauna. Several of the species are so abundant and easily 

 observed as to attract the attention even of people who are little 

 interested in nature. The great numbers that may be seen on any 

 bright or quiet summer day, basking on timbers or boards in shal- 



38—17618 



