We have a chance to do something about a problem that we've complained about
for years ... IF we communicate our concerns to TPWD.
Every year, gasoline is sprayed into crevices that shelter wildlife in rock
outcrops and similar refuges around Texas. This is done in an attempt to
drive out rattlesnakes for commercial collection. Some of these snakes go
to rattlesnake roundups, but the commercial trade in rattlesnakes, for
skins, gall bladders, and meat, is much bigger than the roundups. No one
really knows how many places are contaminated with gasoline, since
collectors are often evasive about their use of it. We do know that it is
used (for example, the Sweetwater Jaycees replied to a letter of mine
several years ago and said, "A fine mist is pumped into the den. Until a
substitute can be found, hunters will continue to use this process"
. We
also know that it is quite toxic to various species of wildlife. One study
confirmed what we would have guessed by use of common sense, by
experimentally exposing several species of wildlife to gasoline fumes. It
was harmful to all species and fatal to some. Among the wildlife species
being gassed in crevices and caves are a number of threatened and vulnerable
cave or "karst" invertebrates. In addition, burrowing owls, turtles,
amphibians, lizards, and snakes make use of these refuges and can be
poisoned by commercial rattlesnake collectors. All of this, so someone can
make a buck by sending rattlesnake gall bladders to Asia and selling skins
and rattles to trinket-dealers.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is now interested in hearing from
citizens about the issue of spraying gasoline into crevices and burrows.
Texas may join other states that have outlawed such poisoning of the
environment. Please write to Dr. Andy Gluesenkamp, at TPWD, and tell him
that you care about all the species of wildlife (not just the rattlesnakes)
that are being poisoned by collectors using gasoline, and urge that TPWD
take action to ban the use of gasoline and other chemicals as a means of
collecting snakes.
The address is:
Andy Gluesenkamp, Ph.D.
Nongame & Rare Species
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
Remember, the issue they're looking at is NOT whether rattlesnake roundups
are a good thing. The issue they're interested in is the use of gasoline in
collecting rattlesnakes. Stay focused and stay polite. Please DO write a
letter! Do not assume that lots of others will act for you.
Don't delay! There is a meeting within the next couple of days of a group
of stakeholders, and then there will probably be an opportunity for the
public to address the Commissioners in Austin at their November meeting. We
must not miss this opportunity.
Please consider visiting the link below and replying to a survey regarding
the use of gasoline in collecting rattlesnakes in Texas. As you recall,
this is something that contaminates habitat and poisons various species of
wildlife that make use of deep crevices, burrows, or caves. We will forward
results (without identifying any respondents) to Texas Parks & Wildlife
Department for their consideration, and might help move toward banning this
practice.
Please forward this to any friends who may not be on this forum but
who may want to help.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6HLY76B
Here's an opportunity to be heard and make a difference.
Lets support Dr Gluesenkamp with constructive letters and e-mails and when the time comes...warm bodies at the TP&W Commissioners Meeting!
-----
Tim Cole
www.austinherpsociety.org
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
Conservation through Education
