Every year rattlesnakes are taken from the wild on the High Plains and slaughtered in what are known as “rattlesnake roundups.” These events are promoted as fun for the whole family.
But National Geographic disagrees. The magazine says rattlesnake roundups “foster disrespect for native wildlife and the natural world.” Roundups occur throughout Texas and Oklahoma and generally focus on diamondback rattlers. Snakes are usually caught by pouring gasoline into their winter dens. This also poisons the land and water, and hurts up to 350 other wildlife species.
Snakes are often held for months until the roundup, crowded together without food or water. The most famous roundup in the world is held every March in Sweetwater, Texas. / In Sweetwater, snakes are kicked, macheted, and decapitated. Science does not support claims that roundups are required to prevent rattlesnake overpopulation.