It infected eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). Young massasauga are well-patterned but paler than the adults. The name also refers to the massasauga rattlesnake, which is found in the area. Other rare species include the massasauga rattlesnake and the spotted turtle. As of 2016, the massasauga is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. "Massasauga" means "mouth of the river" in Ojibwe.