Or out-slither it, in the case of the only rattlesnake species found in the state of Michigan. A 15-year study found that farms, buildings, and roads are making it difficult for the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) to find a mate. Checking fitnessAs venomous snakes, Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes aren’t necessarily the most popular animal. The team ultimately traced the family histories of over 1,000 Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes. Conservationists could also experiment with moving the reptiles to new habitats with more options for finding suitable rattlesnake mates.