They are typically born under a log, wood pile, or in abandoned mammal burrows. The new skin will allow protection and growth until it becomes too stretched and worn. Massasaugas mature in 2- 3 years and can live up to 14 years. They were given this name because of the heat sensitive pits they have under each eye which alert the snake to prey or intruders. Massasaugas are preyed upon by raccoons, hogs, skunks, foxes, hawks, and eagles.
Rattlesnakes attack their prey by striking.
They strike to inject toxic venom into the blood stream. A three foot snake can strike about 12 inches or about one-third of its body size. The fangs of a massasauga are hollow and the venom is secreted into them by glands. Rattlesnakes can control the injection of venom and sometimes don't use it when they bite because of self defense, possibly saving it only for prey. When they are not in use, the fangs rotate and fold backward against the roof of its mouth.