REPORTER NEWS (Abilene, Texas) 09 February 08 Rattlesnake round-ups are cruel (Jeremy Wilson)

Well, it's that time of year again. The days are getting longer, the West Texas winds are definitely picking up and the birds are singing louder. And of course it wouldn't be spring in Texas without one of the most outdated and inhumane traditions in the country -- the "rattlesnake round-ups."

It is a time when, for some reason, people are exempt from the laws against animal cruelty. Yes, whether you love them or hate them, snakes are animals. They are part of the world that was created for us. In fact, they were here long before us and have as much right to live here as we do. They do not deserve the torment they receive during these barbaric traditions.

It amazes me how people can spend one day torturing and making a mockery out of some of God's most fascinating animals and wake up and go to church the next day.

Not only are rattlesnake round-ups cruel and inhumane, they are also very destructive to the environment. Habitats are thoughtlessly destroyed. Gasoline is sprayed into dens and burrows, driving snakes out, but this also kills many other animals that use them as shelter. In addition, round-ups present misinformation and promote attitudes toward wildlife that encourage its over-exploitation and destruction.

One of the most disturbing aspects of rattlesnake round-ups is that they are advertised as family entertainment. Spectators at these "family" gatherings have reported some very disturbing behavior. Ripping fangs out and cutting rattles off of live snakes, using golf clubs to "putt" coiled snakes, sewing the mouths shut of fully conscious snakes, and much more.

Children are not only witness to this abusive and reckless behavior but are sometimes invited to participate in the torment of these animals. They are taught that rattlesnakes are vicious, aggressive animals and that wildlife in general is there for humans to use and abuse for their entertainment.

I've been working with snakes for many years and rarely have I seen a truly aggressive, mean snake. Rattlesnakes will not maliciously attack a human being. They will, however, defend themselves when provoked. Snakes do their best to avoid confrontation and would prefer to stay hidden and undetected. They were even nice enough to evolve a rattle to warn us of their presence when they feel threatened.

If people would be willing to take the time and learn about the animals we share the earth with, they would realize that rattlesnakes are not the evil monsters they are made out to be. They are just trying to survive and are actually a very beneficial part of the ecosystem. Instead of wasting their venom on us, they would much rather use it for what it was designed for, to immobilize and help digest their prey (mainly rodents).

I realize that rattlesnake round-ups are a long-standing and profitable tradition. But neither tradition nor profit should be an excuse for such barbaric events to continue. It's time to transform round-ups from a display of cruelty and misinformation into a festival of respect and admiration for these different, yet remarkable animals.

It's time for Texans to take the lead in a wildlife revolution. Instead of terminating animals that are a minor inconvenience to us, learn to live beside them. Educate our children of the important role that animals play in our natural world. "We will not prosper by dominating the earth, only by sharing it."

Rattlesnakes are some of the many amazing creatures in our world. It would be a tremendous shame if we were to realize this only after they are gone. So I urge you all to write letters or e-mails to the sponsors and organizers of these events. Push for an end to the "traditional" rattlesnake round-ups and adopt a more tolerable attitude toward all wildlife.
Rattlesnake round-ups are cruel

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