Last summer, Gordo, an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, met his demise on Matchett Road, but his genetic legacy lives on. According to a local reptile conservation expert, Gordo successfully bred before his passing, resulting in seven baby rattlesnakes that are currently being nurtured for future release in the local area.
Jonathan Choquette, a PhD biologist heading the Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery program of Wildlife Preservation Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the situation, deeming it symbolic. He highlighted the significance of the offspring carrying Ojibway genetics.
The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, native to Windsor-Essex, are nearing extinction in the region, with potentially fewer than 10 remaining. These snakes are Ontario’s only venomous species and are critically endangered statewide. Known for their discreet nature, they typically warn or retreat when threatened, resorting to biting only as a last defense.
Gordo, a prominent male Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, was introduced to the Ojibway Prairie Complex to help bolster the local population. Despite being matured at Toronto Zoo, Gordo’s lineage can be traced back to rescued Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes in LaSalle over 25 years ago.
Tragically, Gordo was discovered crushed on Matchett Road in September 2025, likely from a vehicle collision, identifiable by his implanted electronic transmitter. Choquette emphasized the urgent need to support the dwindling population in Windsor-Essex to prevent local disappearance.
Before his demise, Gordo had successfully mated with a female rattlesnake named Ashley, as confirmed by Choquette and his team. Earlier this year, an X-ray conducted during a transmitter replacement procedure at Toronto Zoo revealed that Ashley was pregnant with eggs.
Being ovoviviparous, Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes undergo internal egg hatching, leading to live births as observed with Ashley’s offspring earlier this spring at the zoo. The young snakes will remain in captivity until they reach a year old, with plans for their release in the Ojibway Prairie Complex next summer, ensuring Gordo’s legacy lives on in Windsor-Essex.
Choquette stressed the uniqueness of this tallgrass prairie population of Massasauga rattlesnakes in Canada, underlining its importance as a distinctive component of Canadian natural heritage.