Earth Stewardship in the Bible Belt: Annual Snake Slaughter Provides Family Fun

[BurtWorm]

From Laelaps, an environmentalist blog:

http://laelaps.wordpress.com/2007/03/12/rattled-by-texans/

Rattled by Texans
Monday March 12th 2007, 2:30 pm
Filed under: Captivity, Idiocy, Ecology

I can’t believe events like this still go on; in Sweetwater, Texas, rattlesnakes are gassed out of their dens to provide public entertainment (often in the form of food and belts) to about 30,000 people annually. While some reports claim that the event is an economic boon that brings in millions to the community, ecologists are rightly rattled by the events that go on every year. According to this report, this year 4,300 pounds of rattlesnakes were brought in, and this is what many of the snakes have to look forward to;

<Due to complaints from the photo was used illegally I have removed it, but you can still find it at the link below, along with others>

The image was taken from this page, providing a look at some of what goes on at the event. As if the actual event wasn’t unethical in of itself (snakes being beheaded, skinned, and roasted), the methods by which they’re caught is equally shocking. Gas fumes are pumped into snake dens (home to insects, small mammals, and other wildlife) to drive the snakes out, which typically end up as souvenirs at the show (I didn’t see anything about “catch and release”). According to this PlanetArk article (which I originally viewed on Yahoo!News), some justify the atrocities by claiming that it keeps livestock safe from the dangerous snakes, and although I haven’t seen any numbers, I wouldn’t imagine that rates of mortality by snakebite are very high among livestock. Such is the same with wolves; if there is a natural predator in the area dim-witted humans want to eliminate it wholesale, and if they can have some fun while doing it they will surely find a way.

Many locals say that ecologists blow the issue out of proportion, but as I have often asked, why is it that so few people consider the ethics of the situation? These snakes surely feel pain, probably even fear (they’re not rattling their tails because they’re pleased to see you), and what occurs at the roundup is certainly inhumane. They’re just snakes, right? They’re a scourge on the earth, the very beast that tempted Adam and Eve and cause the Fall. Indeed, (I don’t know how many Texans are creationists, but I’d guess the numbers are relatively high) perhaps this is some sort of latent revenge for being evicted from Paradise, and effort to play out some Biblical drama. (Note: I made the last statement half-joking; I’m not convinced that all these people hate snakes because of Biblical events). If you want a closer look at these kinds of events yourself and can’t venture to Texas, the National Geographic documentary King Rattler shows a herpetologist visiting such a show.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. ...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gkad2RkbOho

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. "O Whacking Day, O Whacking Day...."

O whacking day, o whacking day,
Our hallowed snake-skull cracking day.

We'll break their backs,
Gouge out their eyes,
Their evil hearts,
We'll pulverise.

O whacking day, o whacking day,
May God bestow His grace on thee.

[ComerPerro]

6. I love Barry White's speech on Whacking Day

"I'm honored to be here to commerate... what is this, anyhow?"

(aid whispers in his ear, Barry gets a horrified look)

"Oh God no. You people make me sick!"

[TechBear_Seattle]

8. BINGO!

I think this snake "roundup" is ridiculous, at best. The people of Sweetwater are no better than the idiots in Springfield.

[BlameCanada12]

3. There's usually a lot of outrage about the Seal Hunts in Canada...

But for some reason this doesn't warrant the same response.

Hypocrisy knows no boundaries.

[sharp_stick]

10. But rattlesnakes aren't cute and furry

I've never seen a demonstration against snakeskin belts at department stores either but by God people are outraged at the use of raccoon dog fur.

[LiberalEsto]

4. Not only that, but

snakes kill rats and other vermin. Get rid of the snakes, and they'll be overrun by rats, which can spread diseases such as bubonic plague.

[A HERETIC I AM]

5. "Sweetwater overrun by rodents! Residents ask "WHY?"

The above is a headline from 12 months in the future.

[hughee99]

7. Is this a St. Patrick's day thing?

Isn't that what he's famous for? Not to say he tortured snakes for sport, but I've never heard anyone suggest that he rid Ireland of them by politely asking them all to leave.

[Behind the Aegis]

9. Disgusting!

Too bad Barry White has passed away. (Simpsons reference)

[MuseRider]

11. Sadly they bring those rattlers up to Kansas

and do a repeat. We do have rattlesnakes but not the kind they bring in, at least we did not used to have them, now we do.

I am not in that part of the state but we have been trying to stop this for years. It seems people must be allowed to have their fun, even if that means torturing other creatures. It makes me sick but hey, torture seems to be the going thing these days. :puke:

[NMMNG]

12. Well, you know

The Buy-bull sez we have dominion over the animals, which means we can do what we please with them. :sarcasm:

[shain from kane]

13. "Lady, you got the wrong snake."

Old vaudeville routine.

Need Repub snakes on the chopping block.

[Gman]

14. If you ever stumbled upon a rattlesnake while dove hunting

in Texas on a hot early fall day (I have), you'd agree this is a good thing. I doubt this makes much of a dent, if any in the rattlesnake population.

[The Flaming Red Head]

15. You're not from the swamps,

obviously if you feel sorry for poisonous snakes. Louisiana has huge water moccasins that will sneak up on you.

When I’d go water skiing I’d spot them in the river and then I’d head straight for them and run over them with the blade from my water skis and then look back to see them split them in half, their bodies headed in different directions.

I’d never kill a king snake but moccasins, copperheads, and rattle snakes are dead if I see them.

[BurtWorm]

16. You're right.

I'm not from the swamps.

:patriot:

(I live in NYC, though, and I don't have any desire to engage in mass rat or cockroach slaughter. But I do step on waterbugs almost instinctively, I admit.)

[Gman]

17. Another thing about the Sweetwater Rattlesnake roundup

is this event is the major event that replenishes the supply of Rattlesnake antivenom. If you're not from the South you'd probably be very surprised at the number of Rattlesnake bites not only in Texas, but throughout the South. Even if you're from the South, you still could be surprised.