What snake did I see at Frohring Meadows?

I was running on the inner loop at Frohring Meadows this afternoon (4:00 or so) and spotted a Massasauga rattlesnake attempting to cross the paved path in the northwest corner of the loop. I am so disappointed that I didn’t have a camera with me but studied it’s pattern for a few minutes so I could later identify. I would estimate it to have been roughly 24” long and 3/4”-1” in diameter at the thickest/middle. It was the highlight of my month so far! I’ll keep my eyes open (& phone handy) next time I’m there.

Thank you for exploring our parks! It’s especially great when you have a fun wildlife sighting! Snakes are commonly seen basking on the paved trails for warmth. As far as species, there are a couple that are common to the Frohring Meadows area. The Massasauga Rattlesnake is actually very rare to much of Ohio. It is listed as endangered in Ohio and threatened in the United States. But it does look similar to a common snake that is likely the one you saw at Frohring Meadows. The Northern Water Snake has been seen along the wetland areas near that inner loop where you were running, so I’m guessing that is the reptile you observed.

A resource I highly recommend for information on the reptiles of the state is from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, viewable online when you click here. It is also available via hard copy by calling the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 1-800-Wildlife.  They have many different field guides available on topics ranging from trees and butterflies to reptiles and more.

Thank you for enjoying our parks and for inquiring about what you saw. We look forward to hearing more of your sightings.

-Naturalist Nora Sindelar