Nine Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes Hatch at Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago (February 23, 2026) – Baby rattles look a little different at Lincoln Park Zoo right now. Nine eastern massasauga rattlesnakes were born this month at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, a first in nearly a decade and a huge milestone for this population. They are currently living behind the scenes as they continue to reach important milestones.

The birth of these snakes tells an optimistic story of conservation in action. They are the great grandkids of what are likely Cook County’s last remaining eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, which were brought to Lincoln Park Zoo in 2009 after their population faced critical threats due to persecution and habitat loss. The zoo, along with state and federal authorities, have been working together for years to conserve this often-misunderstood snake species.

“People tend to fear eastern massasauga rattlesnakes because they’re venomous, but they’re actually a rather shy species and an important part of the Great Lakes region’s ecosystem,” said Curator Dan Boehm. “It’s always exciting to welcome new offspring of a threatened species, and the fact that this is a local animal we’re actively working to conserve out in the field makes it even more special.”

Since 2009, Lincoln Park Zoo, more than 20 other zoos, the Edward Lowe Foundation, Northern Illinois University, and several wildlife agencies have been studying the wild population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Michigan. Through this partnership, over 900 rattlesnakes have been individually identified; they have continued to be monitored in subsequent years to track growth rates, reproduction, and overall health. Monitoring the population over time allows scientists to determine what characteristics help the species thrive, which ultimately informs conservation plans.

Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes can be found in wetland habitats around the Great Lakes in the United States and Canada. Measuring at about two feet long on average, this species is on the smaller side for rattlesnakes. Adults are gray or light brown with large brown spots on their backs, while younger snakes like the recent neonates at Lincoln Park Zoo have more vivid colors and don’t have rattles, as the snakes only obtain rattle segments as they grow and shed their skin. Their coloring helps the species blend in with the marshes, fields, and prairies they call home.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

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