Gordo, an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, was found deceased on Matchett Road last summer. However, his genetic legacy lives on as he successfully reproduced before his demise. A local reptile conservation expert, Jonathan Choquette, confirmed that Gordo’s offspring, seven baby rattlesnakes, are now under care for future release in the area.
Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes are on the verge of extinction in Windsor-Essex, with local numbers possibly dwindling to less than 10 individuals. These snakes are the sole venomous species in Ontario and are critically endangered statewide. Despite their importance, they often go unnoticed and only resort to biting when provoked as a last defense mechanism.
Gordo, a prominent male rattlesnake, was introduced to the Ojibway Prairie Complex to bolster the local population. Tracked by Choquette’s team, Gordo hailed from a lineage of Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes rescued in LaSalle over 25 years ago. Tragically, Gordo met his demise in September 2025 on Matchett Road, likely due to a vehicular accident, identified by his implanted transmitter.
Choquette revealed that Gordo had successfully mated with a female snake named Ashley before his demise. The confirmation of Ashley’s pregnancy came earlier this year during a check-up at Toronto Zoo, where an X-ray revealed she was carrying eggs. As ovoviviparous species, Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes give birth to live young after internal egg hatching, as seen with Ashley’s offspring at the zoo this spring.
The baby rattlesnakes will be nurtured in captivity until they reach one year of age, with plans for their release in the Ojibway Prairie Complex next summer. This initiative aims to sustain Gordo’s legacy in Windsor-Essex, preserving a unique element of Canadian natural heritage.