Editor| Miss Snake Charmer Kayla Chowning showing off a rattlesnake at annual Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater. Credit: Michael Miller |
What it is about the Sweetwater’s annual roundup that is attracting the anger of conservationists. Well, this is the “World’s largest rattlesnake roundup” and conservationists want to ban it. Held at Sweetwater, Texas, this event witnesses beheading of thousands of rattlesnakes. The event was attended by more than 30,000 observers. Some argue that this is a profitable tradition, while some say this is animal abuse.
The event is conducted by the Junior Chamber of Commerce “Jaycees” of the city.
The snakes slither in a pit in front of visitors until they are beheaded and skinned by the snake handlers. The visitors are allowed to take part in the event and making handprints on the wall using snakes’ blood.
It is argued by Jaycees that this roundup is necessary for keeping the snake population in control and protect citizens according to an Natgeo report.
Around 8,000 people are bitten by rattlesnakes, coral snakes and copperheads in United States every year according to data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report says 5 out of these die.
However, the conservationists deny the overpopulation of snakes. The co-founder of Advocates for Snaker Preservation, Melissa Amarella writes for NatGeo that the roundup is responsible for decline in the species of diamondback rattlesnakes which is an endangered species.
David Steen, a biologist at Auburn University says, “What does a snake have to gain by attacking you? It’s not going to try to eat you. If we respect their place in the environment and also respect their space, then I think we can live alongside them with no problem at all.”
As reported by Jaycees, last year earned the city $8.4 million. The event also created 100 full time jobs. The meat of Rattlesnakes is eaten and the skin and venom are sold.
Mohith Agadi
Editorial Staff
