Rattlesnake Round-Up
By Alice Henry
@IreneVincent (15962)
United States
March 19, 2017 1:10pm CST
This past week-end, in Sweetwater, Texas, thousands of rattlesnakes were rounded up, IF the traditional World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up, that was started in 1958, took place as usual, on the second weekend in March.
Participants go on a rattlesnake hunt after receiving rattlesnake handling instructions and after they watch professional wranglers round up thousands of snakes.
Is this something that would be on YOUR list of things to do?
While I’m not terrified of snakes, I certainly have no desire to round-up rattlesnakes, under any circumstances.
6 people like this
6 responses
@MALUSE (69416)
• Germany
19 Mar 17
@IreneVincent Is Texas the state where most US rattlesnakes live?
3 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
19 Mar 17
All of the above, probably. But the main reason is to RID the area of this poisonous snake. Unfortunately, only a mere 1 % of all the rattlesnakes in Texas are captured on this day. One more reason why I would never want to live in Texas.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205108)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Mar 17
I'd probably do it, just for the thrill. And I assume they're humane about it. What do they do with the snakes? Do they wind up next to broccoli and mashed potatoes? Our Northern Pacific rattlesnakes (here in Western California) are not particularly aggressive. I'm not sure what they have near Sweetwater Texas.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (205108)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Mar 17
@IreneVincent I've eaten rattlesnake. It was on a river trip and he was in our campground. I think we undercooked the poor fella, though. It reminded me more of squid than chicken.
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
19 Mar 17
@IreneVincent It seems a little mean to 'milk' them and then destroy them.
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6751)
• Defiance, Ohio
19 Mar 17
I would have no issues going on one of the hunts. Not sure if I would actually try to round up a rattlesnake or watch others do it. I have always wanted to try rattlesnake. I heard it taste good over an open fire.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
19 Mar 17
I'm sure that they are used for various purposes and are destroyed. Rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes are "milked" for their venom in order to create anti-snake bite medicine. They also use their skin to make boots and belts. And some people do EAT them.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
20 Mar 17
They "milk' them by removing the venom through their fangs for the purpose of creating anti-snake bite serum. They kill them and make boots out of their skin. Some people EAT them. Mostly, they get rid of them because they are poisonous and are multiplying like crazy. This event only eliminates about 1% of all the rattlesnakes in Texas. Another reason why I don't want to live in Texas.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
20 Mar 17
@JudyEv No, they would not release them, I'm sure of that. Most are killed I'm sure. Some might survive as pets, but I would think that number would be very small.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325262)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Mar 17
@IreneVincent I was hoping they weren't going to let them go again after going to so much trouble.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
19 Mar 17
I have heard of these but no way am I rounding up or rustling up any rattlers.
1 person likes this
