EASTERN MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE ENVENOMATIONS IN AN URBAN WILDERNESS

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus), one of the f ew members of the Crotalidae family indigenous to the Great Lakes regi on, is considered to be more reclusive and docile than other types of rattlesnake. We report three cases of eastern massasauga rattlesnake e nvenomation within the Chicagoland area which required therapy with Cr otalidae antivenin. Although bites are relatively uncommon, provoked s nakes can inflict significant morbidity.