Snake Week 2024
We believe in celebrating the rich biodiversity of Michigan's ecosystems. Snake Week is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation for these important creatures that play a vital role in our environment.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Photo by: Beth Weiler
Why Snake Week?
Snakes are often misunderstood and feared, but they are crucial to the balance of our local ecosystems. By shedding light on their unique behaviors, habitats, and contributions to our natural world, we aim to eliminate stereotypes and foster a sense of appreciation.
Join Us for Snake Week
We will be celebrating snakes in person and online throughout the week. For our in-person visitors, we have snake themed activity sheets available at our front desk, a snake photo gallery in the front lobby stairway, and snake-themed Wonder Walks on Sunday and Wednesday, perfect for snake enthusiasts of all ages. Additionally, on Wednesday, July 17th, we welcome a team from the UM Museum of Zoology, who will showcase live snakes, skulls, and other educational items, providing a hands-on learning experience. Join us to celebrate these remarkable creatures and discover the vital roles they play in our ecosystem. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook as well for more Snake Week Content!
July 14th - July 20th
Snake Photo Gallery: Featureing a collection of photographs from area wildlife photographer Beth Weiler. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
July 14th - July 20th
Activity Sheets and Stickers: Swing by the front desk to pick up a fun, snake-themed activity sheet and don't forget to ask for your FREE Snake Week sticker!
Sunday, July 14th
Wonder Walk - Snakes: Discover the fascinating world of snakes as our guides lead you through an exploration of their habits, habitats, and unique adaptations. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly guided nature walk offers insights into the lives of these remarkable reptiles. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens, July 14th at 1:00 PM.
Monday, July 15th
Myth-busting Monday - Does milk attract snakes? Do snakes swallow their young? Join us on Facebook as we explore some popular snake myths and uncover the truth!
Tuesday, July 16th
Snakes do it faster, better: In celebration of World Snake Day, we invite you to explore the incredible evolutionary journey of snakes in this short video. Discover how snakes have undergone a remarkable adaptation, diversifying into numerous species with unique colors, behaviors, and ecological roles. Video curtesy of Courtesy Michigan News.
Wednesday, July 17th
Live Encounters and Exploration with UM Museum of Zoology: Get up close and personal with some live snakes and examine a variety of 3D-printed snake body parts, skins, and more. July 17th, 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Plus, don't miss the snake-themed wonder walk starting at 5:30 PM, offering a fantastic opportunity to further explore and learn about these incredible reptiles.
Wednesday, July 17th
Wonder Walk - Snakes: Discover the fascinating world of snakes as our guides lead you through an exploration of their habits, habitats, and unique adaptations. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly guided nature walk offers insights into the lives of these remarkable reptiles. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens, July 14th at 5:30 PM. While you are here, be sure to also check out the Live Encounters and 3D Exploration from 4:00pm - 7:00 pm.
Thursday, July 18th
Massasauga Podcast - The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is Michigan’s only venomous snake. Learn why its presence is important at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and beyond. The new episode will be available beginning at 12PM ET on July 18th on Spotify.
Friday, July 19th
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Profile: The eastern massasauga is Michigan's only venomous snake, known for its distinctive rattle and bowtie-patterned skin. Despite its fearsome reputation, this shy reptile prefers to avoid confrontation, using its heat-sensing pits to hunt small prey. Learn more in this profile.
Snake of the Day
Join us each day as we explore a new Michigan snake!
Eastern Milk Snake
(Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)
The Eastern Milk Snake has a blotchy pattern, with spots that are reddish in hue and have a distinct black outline. It is a nocturnal hunter and lives in a diverse array of habitats, favoring open woodland and meadows. During the day, it seeks retreat, often resting under woodpiles and in barns. The latter habit lends its odd name, as it was once fabled to drink milk straight from cows' udders, a feat incompatible with snake physiology. In reality, its diet consists of small mammals, amphibians, and other snakes.
