Snakes Sizzle in Sweetwater
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes have been a symbol of the American Southwest from prehistoric into modern times. It figures in ancient mythology, ceramics and rock art and in modern story and media.
If you want to see safely view a Rattlesnake up close, you may want to go to the Rattlesnake Roundup this weekend in Sweetwater. Thursday, March 8, starts the 49th annual Rattlesnake Roundup.
Bring in the longest or heaviest snake from the daily guided hunts and win a prize. Non-hunting folk can watch snake-handling and snake-milking demonstrations, attend the Miss Snake Charmer Scholarship Pageant, or sample some deep-fried western diamondback meat at the Rattlesnake Cook-off. Visit the website for more information.
Snake hunting is big in Texas because the snakes are big in Texas. Rattlesnakes are hunted for their meat, skin, venom and rattles. Hunters must have a valid Texas hunting license (Resident or Non Resident 5-day special). All hunters are subject to Texas Hunting Laws and game wardens will be present during the event. No firearms allowed.
The Western Diamondback can exceed seven feet in length and is the biggest of 20+ species and sub-species of Southwestern desert rattlers. Rattlers belong to a class of 100+ species of poisonous snakes generally called pit vipers.
Tags: rattlesnake roundup, Sweetwater,Texas, diamondback rattler
Original post by CyberCelt