Man Bitten By Rattlesnake In Oakland County: What To Know About The Rare Venomous Snake

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI — A man is recovering after he was bitten by Michigan's deadliest snake in Oakland County, according to officials.

The bite happened Tuesday near a boat launch at Proud Lake State Park in Commerce Township, according to officials.

Officials said the 41-year-old man got too close to an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and it bit him in the hand.

He was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, which is the closest hospital with the anti-venom, according to officials.

Officials called it a "rare medical emergency," noting that while rare, rattlesnake bites do happen in Michigan.

What To Know About Michigan's Only Venomous Snake

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Michigan.

The snake is gray or grayish brown with dark blotches edged in white and spots down its back and sides, and usually between 18.5 and 30 inches long.

The snake is a shy creature that will avoid humans whenever possible. It is also known as a "swamp rattler," because it spends most of its time in year-round wetlands hunting their primary prey, mice.

If you are bitten by an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, officials said call 911 immediately. Officials say it's imperative to stay calm and still to slow the spread of venom.

Officials said you should not cut the wound, try to suck out the venom, apply a tourniquet or use ice. They said these actions can cause more harm than good.

A fatal Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake bite is very rare, according to officials.