Why This Michigan Snake Shouldn't Rattle You: WATCH

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It’s probably more likely that you’ll see a northern water snake than an eastern massasauga rattlesnake while you’re out in the marshes, but the two snakes do look alike, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR explains the differences between the two in a series of 60-second videos on its YouTube channel.

If the snake is a rattler, it will have a distinct rattle on one end that’s between an inch and a half and three inches long, depending on the age of the snake.

Both snakes play important roles and provide chemical-free pest control.

Stay back and don’t try to capture the snake.

“If you leave the snake alone, it will leave you alone,” the DNR warns.