Rattlesnake Roundups bad for ecosystem.

[whymememe]

Rattlesnake rodeos are carried out in several states. These animals are shy and try to aviod humans. They are vital in the ecosytem for rodent control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7psQxv03dq8

[rcairflr]

I also think these rattlesnake roundups are disgusting.

[Zhurh]

Everywhere I ever lived down South, there wasn't ever any shortage of snakes. Are these guys hunting snakes really having an impact on their numbers that they might go extinct or something?

In Alaska, no snakes; but we sure do got an over abundance of wolves. I mean in many areas, the moose are about extinct, yet there are people that wanna kiss the wolves and stop any attempts to reduce their numbers.

I never killed snakes when I lived back east, use to catch as many big black snakes as I could so people didn't run them over; but killed as many cottonmouths as I could and they seemed to be everywhere there was water.

[Carne Frio]

Well there are snowsnakes, which we can't say too much about in public.

[Zhurh]

Oh ya. I forgot about those buggers.

[rcairflr]

Well there are snowsnakes, which we can't say too much about in public.

Saw a couple of those growing up in North Dakota.

[76Highboy]

IMO rattlesnakes extinction is an impossability. I have no problem with the rattlesnake roundups. In my area, they are thick. There are millions upon millions. Good luck thinning those out. Also, I would like to see the proof that rodent disease increases due to the decline in rattle snakes. I just don't buy it. As for feeling sorry for them, never in a million years. I kill every rattler I see.

[terryu1]

We have one of the oldest "roundups" in the country here in NE PA. Many years ago they, and most other roundups I have seen around the country) require the hunters to return the snakes to the same area they were captured at the end of the weekend.

[goofy]

We have one of the oldest "roundups" in the country here in NE PA. Many years ago they, and most other roundups I have seen around the country) require the hunters to return the snakes to the same area they were captured at the end of the weekend.

If I remember right(I know probably not right) But after they are caught they are milked for there venom to make a anti-venom shot?
Mike

[flintlock]

I don't remember rattlesnake tasting good enough to make me want to round them up. Maybe Northeast rattlers taste better then New Mexico rattlers. I think you're right about milking them for their venom and returning them to their aras again.

[whymememe]

Usually, gasoline is poured into the burrow causing the rattlesnake to leave the burrow. The makes the burrow uninhabitable for many years, not only for the rattlesnake but also a large number of burrowing animals.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/rattlesnake_roundups/facts/rattlesnake_roundups.html

[millwright]

Used to "roundup" rattlers and copperheads from summer camps/resorts in NJ and eastern PA "back when". Wasn't all "one sided" as these snakes were often torpid and not apt to rattle or alarm/move at the first one along, but would sometimes strike at someone following. But IMO copperheads were worse than rattlers; being easily missed in the leaf litter while torpid.

Don't know about "milking" these captures as I was always told for the process to be viable an experienced herpetologist is needed to identify the species/subspecies and clinical conditions of milking and venom storage must be observed. OTOH, I'm all for roundups where the venom is harvested for use and the snakes are released, or treated with the respect and total use of any of God's creatures most sportspersons employ ! >MW

[Little Rooster]

Usually, gasoline is poured into the burrow causing the rattlesnake to leave the burrow. The makes the burrow uninhabitable for many years, not only for the rattlesnake but also a large number of burrowing animals.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/rattlesnake_roundups/facts/rattlesnake_roundups.html



have you personally witness this?

[raven818]

The roundups I've watched on the tube always wound up with the snakes being eaten.

[Skipper]

As a retired Wildland Firefighter (33 years) my opinion:


If it doesn't have rattles........it's a cobra. They make great hatbands.

[whymememe]

Copperheads and Cottonmouths are more aggressive.

[Deacon_Man]

I like snakes too, I think they make damn good targets.

[76Highboy]

I like snakes too, I think they make damn good targets.

Yo buddy, I agree.

[flyingtiger85]

IMO rattlesnakes extinction is an impossability. I have no problem with the rattlesnake roundups. In my area, they are thick. There are millions upon millions. Good luck thinning those out. Also, I would like to see the proof that rodent disease increases due to the decline in rattle snakes. I just don't buy it. As for feeling sorry for them, never in a million years. I kill every rattler I see.

+1
Have you ever seen pictures of the severe black skin damage of a rattle snake bite.I've seen a rattle snake strike at cars and chase after them as they were driving by for several feet.I couldn't believe it.I say"KaBoom"see ya mister snake!

[Luke the drifter]

Usually, gasoline is poured into the burrow causing the rattlesnake to leave the burrow.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/rattlesnake_roundups/facts/rattlesnake_roundups.html

with the price of gas nowadays i doubt very many people use this method anymore.:D

[Little Rooster]

I have unrolled hay for feed and found their dead ass's in the hay.. Don't know how many I have raked up in the wind rows. They will follow the mowers just like coyotes and foxs for an easy meal. The only good snake is a dead one. Winchester makes .22 rounds for rodents. That don't work get a Jack Russell. Let the Humanesociety police their own . Their begging for money is a pathetic mess.

[gvw3]

We don't have any up here. When I was growing up on my grandmothers farm they had copperheads all around. We just shot them or beat them with a stick. I don't care for snakes.

[terryu1]

If I remember right(I know probably not right) But after they are caught they are milked for there venom to make a anti-venom shot?
Mike

Yes, many are. I have not been there in years but many moons ago the one closest to me in Noxen PA used to be on Wide World of Sports on ABC. Back then they used to sell the snakes to anyone who wanted to buy on. That ended many years ago and they are returned to area where captured now, Also was a large roundup near Morris PA, We had a hunting camp near there in English Center PA. Not sure if that roundup still takes place.

[Bobitis]

Rocks have lives too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFUDEmMjC-c

[whymememe]

Rocks have lives too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFUDEmMjC-c

I wonder what they are smoking?

[whymememe]

have you personally witness this?

No

[JasonS]

Gotta say Im a reptile guy, used to breed them for shops and hobby, still got a few snakes and always love to see them mindin their own in the wild.

God knows I love guns, but I dont like killing of animals that would rather get the hell away from you than chase you down. To hunt for food, fine, to boast about it and such, nah, not for me.

[GatorDude]

I'm glad that times are changing. I understand how country folks wouldn't be too happy about having snakes around. I'm in favor of whacking 'em with a how if they are close to one's house. However, the old-style snake roundups are bad for the environment and send a bad message about how snakes should be handled.

I went to this festival a couple of years ago and the snakes that were captured were stored in barrels between an all day rock-n-roll show and War Between the States re-enactors who periodically fired off a cannon. (Surely not fun for a vibration sensitive snake.)

If they really do take the lead on education and display the snakes more responsibly, I hope they get a great turn out. There is lots of fun stuff to see, do, and eat at that festival!

Claxton Rattlesnake Roundup Gets A Makeover (http://savannahnow.com/news/2012-01-28/claxton-rattlesnake-roundup-gets-makeover#.T54S5NmL4wI)

[Skipper]

I wonder what they are smoking?

Probably got snake-bit.

[RunningOnMT]

Rattlesnake roundups are just fine for my environment. The more they round up and kill the better.

[permafrost]

I've been to several roundups and I agree that they don't taste good enough to eat . I'm kinda on the fence about the roundups. I've never witnessed any cruelty and The Humane Society is using sensationalism to solicit funds ,so they have an agenda to show the worst part of some people's activity. I'm not for needless cruelty though, and the rattlers at least have the decency to give you a warning. Is it bad for the ecosystem? I personally don't think they take enough to matter. On the other hand, I still generally 'choot 'em.:rolleyes:

[muddober]

A rattle snake eats one rat about every two months and pair of rats can make a almost a hundred thousand rats a year. Sounds to me like there is NO good reason not to make rattle snakes extinct. I would hope every one would agree that it would be a good thing to make ticks and mosquitoes extinct as well.

Ron

[JasonS]

It just seems hard for me to fathom so many people into the out doors and such not loving all the life around them, even what could hurt them if you crossed it wrong. Not love it like a hippie, but more of a feeling grounded type way, IDK. If you live in Brazil or someplace like that, think of the thousands of life forms that could hurt you, you just live with it, and respect it.

I hike Mojave all the time, we got the most deadly rattlers around, we love to see them and know you cant pet them like your dog. Wear protection if your in the thick, if they come around your house you drive em down by a creek someplace away from homes. Its just life, seems so simple, and you can still enjoy the animal for what it is.

I love animals that are so small in size yet stand so tall if they need to. No rattler seeks you out.

Of course you can only relocate so many if they keep coming to your house, you cant do it every day, if you gotta kill some then whatever, make something of it though.

Whatever Im boring myself now lol. Pry you guys too, over and out lol.

[STAYFROSTY]

Rattlesnake roundups are just fine for my environment. The more they round up and kill the better.

+1. Dead snake= good snake.

[flyingtiger85]

Snakes eat rats!Wonder if rats are as fun to shoot as snakes.I would have to say yes.

[cutter]

The only good snake is a dead one!!! I do not like surprises in hay or anything. My wife and I do a lot of mowing where we live so we don't get surprised. When you live in the country you can't leave doors open etc. Do not like snakes!!!!

[STAYFROSTY]

Snakes eat rats!Wonder if rats are as fun to shoot as snakes.I would have to say yes.

Try to get a 2fer....example/ blast snake while eating a rat.

[al45lc]

"He prayeth well who loveth well, all things both great and small, for the dear God who loveth us He made and loveth all"
'Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.
Remember, the Mariner was cursed for his killing of the innocent albatross (for fun), and was forgiven (but payed penance) when he learned to love, (our point here) the sea snakes.
Religion aside, everything has it's place, even 'skeeters', and whereas I see no problem with roundups in a controlled environment which can support it, such roundups or killing of snakes in a more sparse eco-system is untenable.
More to the point, just how evolved are we anyway? This attitude toward snakes by some is just silly, they are NOT representations of evil or anything other than nature's way or God's great (and unfathomable) mind, whichever you choose to believe in.
Here in horse country, rattlesnakes are a problem, but the enviromentally friendly solution is the Bull snake, which eats young rattlers.
So killing any snake just because it's a snake is just plain dumb, and unenlightened.

[LyleLovett666]

I fish catch and release but have no qualms about causing the fish a little fright for a minute or two.I don't hunt but I understand the love that many people have for it.That being said I've seen shows about the roundup and they seem to needlessly kill a lot of snakes.I have trouble getting behind anything that amounts to blood lust and killing for the sake of killing is certainly that.No need to help the peta set with their deranged agenda.

[jstgsn]

Just read through this twice. The first time I almost sided with the humane and peta people on this one. Then I did what they do, I replaced the word "rattlesnake" with "deer". They have an agenda, to stop everything that is related to "hunting". If they had their way, KFC would be closed too.

And as far as the pouring gasoline down the holes as a regular method, I've watched and read about rattlesnake round ups all my 60 some years of life and never heard of that method being used. Sure, some farmers who come accross a den in a pasture will do that for prairie dogs and rattlers to protect their cattle, but not on round ups. I call it humane society BS.
Peta doesn't mention all the dogs they kill in gas chambers, and were caught dumping in a shopping center dumpster.

[langenc]

I also think these rattlesnake roundups are disgusting.

Wonder how you feel about cats that people allow to run free killing anything and just about everything?

Have a neighbor that had 3 cats at one time. She had a cat door installed and did not have a literbox on the premesis. They went all over the neighborhood. Besides cats are not required to be licensed in this state. Why??

She took her cat to the vet for something, recently. It was checked for the cat version of HIV.. Tested positive. Vet blamed the "feral" cats aross the street under the neighbors shed for that. The neighbor dont understand why the cats dont leave. I told her "it is just like welfare-why leave?"

[permafrost]

" It shall be unlawful to deposit, place or drain any deleterious, noxious, toxic or petroleum based substance into or around any underground dens or rock crevices for the purpose of taking reptiles or amphibians." Oklahoma Wildlife Department-- Hunting Regulations- 2011-2012 , page 29
Like I said ,the Humane Society has an agenda to get funds from the uneducated.

[al45lc]

OK replace 'rattlesnake' with 'deer'. Name one state that DOESN'T regulate deer hunting, number of take, which counties are low and which are high, health of population and so on.
So, 'feelings' aside, snakes and ALL natural critters to an environment should be regulated and protected if neccessary from the willfully ignorant or poachers.
If an environ can support it, and Management principles and doctrine allow for it, then I say 'hunt' or take them. If not, then don't.
Ferals are an all together different story, weather they be cats, dogs, pigs or even (YES!) horses! Ferals should be removed, period! That includes the killing of horses if neccessary, where they are NOT part of the natural environment in many places that they are destroying the eco system.
I don't want to see the demise of the Desert Bighorn because someone doesn't like the idea of 'wild' horses being captured or killed.
Even if I NEVER get to hunt one, it belongs and the horse doesn't, period.
Sound, scientific principles of Conservation should ALWAYS be our goal, regardless of the feelings of ANY group.

[RunningOnMT]

Interesting discussion. I recall awhile back a man in I believe Cleveland Ohio was charged with animal cruelty for killing mice in his garden. I think PETA was behind that one.

A friend of mine attends an annual wild game banquet. One year they had a guest speaker who was a Pennsylvania state game warden. During a question and answer session that followed, someone asked a question about carrying a handgun while hunting to kill timber rattlers. The game warden replied emphatically "YOU BETTER NOT BE KILLING ANY TIMBER RATTLERS!" "Do you think the state of Pennsylvania spent thousands of dollars propogating the species to have you come in and kill them?"

Why the state would do that is beyond me, and if I had my way there would be no snakes of any variety in existence, but someone must see their value, and the law's on their side.

[muddober]

I have read some of these post here about how cool nature is and hiking and seeing wildlife including rattlesnakes in the wild. Being aware of them and wearing boots to protect oneself bla, bla, bla.

Well if rattle snakes stayed only in very remote areas where people hiked and were prepared for them that would great, but they don't. Try laying 1000 feet of 12" water pipe a day in Las Vegas, day in and day out without a hitch and then get to work one morning and go to pick up a tee or elbow only to have a rattle snake in it and your hand and or arm is disfigured for life. If it is a Mohave green you will be lucky if you live though it because it has both neuro toxic like a cobra and flesh eating poisons like other rattle snakes.

The argument that rattle snakes are an important part of the echo system becomes very hollow at that point and makes about as much sense to me as saying that polio and small pox are also an important part of the echo system.

Might be, but in my echo system I would eliminate all three, along with several others.

Ron

[muddober]

al45lc, for your information horses I believe are indigenous to the Americas. Here at Carson City museum they have a mastodon and horse that were found close together dying at about the same, sum 10,000 years ago.

That being said I am no horse lover, nor do I hate them, but as the economy gets worse I see lots of very nice horses running with wild mustangs.

Ron

[jedwil]

al45lc, for your information horses I believe are indigenous to the Americas. Here at Carson City museum they have a mastodon and horse that were found close together dying at about the same, sum 10,000 years ago.

That being said I am no horse lover, nor do I hate them, but as the economy gets worse I see lots of very nice horses running with wild mustangs.

Ron

Where are you seeing these horses and wild mustangs? Genuine question--just curious.

[flyingtiger85]

jedwil,I've seen wild horses at Delamar NV. Ghost town last time I was there and also by Goldfield Nv.they were out in the desert several miles out of town.If muddober is talking about Carson City in his post there are more wild horses in the Northern Nevada desert areas.I think it's becoming a real problem up in Northern Nevada.

[raven818]

We've got rattlesnakes and Pigmy rattlesnakes. They're about as big as a large Night Crawler, if you get bit, lots of pain and probably loss of a digit. Then we have the equally small Coral snake. Smaller actually.

Red Touch Black, Venom Lack
Red Touch Yellow, Kill A Fellow

[jedwil]

I haven't seen any definitive study on the adversity of these roundups. I would agree that using gasoline is not a good thing. The roundups I have knowledge of use all the animals in some way, whether eating, the skins, or collection of venom for medical products. It's just hard for me to feel too warm and cozy about a rattlesnake that could ruin my life with a bite while I was innocently walking in the woods or reaching for some firewood.

[al45lc]

The Feds maintain that the 'wild' horse is a ferral species, decended from the domestic horse of Europe and Asia, escaped or set loose by the Europeans.
The wild horse of the Americas died out well over 10,000 years before, and was therefore a naturally extinct creature.
It is an invasive species in many areas, competing with natural wildlife for fodder and range, and therefore should NOT be tolerated.