The Bois Blanc Island Site

[soldiersmitty]

My fiance and I are honeymooning on the Island July26th- Aug. 1st.
I've heard its buggy so were bringing lots of OFF.
What else should we bring?
I heard a rumor that there are rattlesnakes on the Island but wasn't sure if it was just a joke. Anyone know if that's true?
thanks
Marcus Smith

[Plake]

Yes, there are rattlesnakes on the island. They are the Massasauga rattlesnake. In my 38 years on the island I see them every few years. It's pretty rare to see them. Most of my time however has been in the interior part of the island and they may be more prevelant along the 'edge' of the island in open areas that they can more easily sun themselves in the mornings. But, like I say, I do see them in the interior part of the island. My guess is that they are all over though.

They rarely strike. You really need to provoke them. My nephew walked right over one and it just laid there. We picked it up with a shovel and moved it down the road. If you see one, please don't kill it. They are almost endangered.

I never worry about them though. I trek all through the forests and again, I RARELY see them.

The bugs aren't too bad this year. It was a dry spring which helped keep them down. June was very wet but they are still not that bad. Just use the bug spray and you'll be fine.

Have fun and congratulations!

[mikewhite]

I don't think you will make hiking a priority on a honeymoon, would you?

I hike here a lot. Common sense says, don't wear flip-flops in the woods and long pants are much more comfortable in the brush. In the off chance you come upon a rattlesnake, Shoes and long pants are a great protection.

I would hope that you do see one. Not many people have that privilege. There are a few pictures of them on this site. Go to the album section and do a search for rattlesnakes.
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mwhite@wildblue.net
"The more nature you keep, the more nature you'll enjoy." and "It's not who is right, but what is right."