Michigan Rattlesnake Bites Man at Proud Lake

A 41-year-old Michigan man recently discovered that Instagram likes are not accepted as payment in the emergency room.

Michigan Man Bitten by State’s Only Venomous Snake

On July 21, 2026, he was bitten by Michigan's eastern massasauga rattlesnake while trying to photograph it near a boat launch at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township. He survived and was expected to recover, but probably gained a hospital bill, insurance co-pay, and a lifelong appreciation for the zoom feature.

RELATED: Your Guide to Michigan's 18 Snake Species: Know Your Nope Ropes

The eastern massasauga is Michigan's only native venomous snake. Its bite is painful, though rarely fatal, and between 25% and 50% of bites are "dry," meaning no venom was injected. Michigan has not recorded a confirmed human death from one in more than 100 years. Thanks, modern medicine.

Michigan DNR Says Give the Nope Rope Room

A Google Earth screenshot with a red arrow pointing and labeling the Proud Lake Recreation area in Michigan, where a man was bitten by an eastern massasauga rattlesnake. — Photo Credit: Google Earth / Canva

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says people are leaving trails, trampling wetlands, and, for some reason, actively searching for the snakes. Some have even threatened to kill them, which is highly illegal.

The eastern massasauga is protected as a state and federally threatened species. Harassing, capturing, or killing one could bring up to a year in prison and a $50,000 fine.

What to Do If a Michigan Rattlesnake Bites You

A look at Michigan's only venomous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. — Michigan Rattlesnake Bites Man at Proud Lake - 1

If you see one, stay at least three feet away and let it continue being shy, rare, and completely uninterested in increasing likes on your social media. If bitten, call 911, stay calm, sit down, and remove rings, watches, or bracelets, because you're about to swell. Do not use ice, a tourniquet, suction, or attempt some frontier-medicine nonsense.

RELATED: Michigan’s Most Snake-Infested River: Crawling With Nope Ropes

Stay on marked trails. Give wildlife space. And, most importantly, remember your camera more than likely has a zoom feature. Michigan's deadliest nope rope does not need another close-up; neither does your deductible.

Identifying Michigan 18 Snake Species

Snakes in Michigan live basically everywhere and mostly eat the stuff you don’t want around your house anyway. They avoid humans, don’t chase, and bites are rare when left alone. Here's a look at the 18 species of snakes living in the Mitten, along with some facts about them from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Fierce and Adorable: The 10 Turtle Species of Michigan

Michigan's guide to the 10 turtle species found throughout the state. From the state reptile to the Mitten States largest, this list covers every species from Box to Snapper.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Your Complete Guide to Michigan's 9 Squirrel Species

If you're wondering what species of squirrel is raiding your bird feeder or you just want to know which species you're seeing on campus, here's a look at the nine different species you'll find in Michigan, with a little help from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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