An environmentally dangerous and harmful method for capturing rattlesnakes remains legal in Texas, after lawmakers nixed a proposed ban.
Rattlesnake hunters often capture snakes by pumping or spraying gasoline into the dens to force the creatures out. But despite warnings from the Texas Park and Wildlife Department that the gasoline can harm other animals and the environment, hunters will be allowed to continue the practice.
Once they’re captured, the reptiles are often used in “rattlesnake roundups,” where thousands of captured snakes are put on display, milked for venom, used in stunts and eventually killed for their meat and skin. Supporters sat these popular carnival-like events help control the rattlesnake population, support the local economy and are a cultural tradition.
Researchers from the Wildlife department cautioned that introducing toxic substances like gasoline into caves and dens make them inhabitable for other non-target animals, including endangered or threatened species. The gasoline could also harm plants and erode soil quality in the surrounding areas. Instead, they encourage hunters to use other methods like snake traps or hooks.
After years of contentious debate and pressure from lawmakers in the communities that benefit most from rattlesnake roundups, the proposal was rejected in November by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission due to a lack of consensus. This means snake gassing will continue legally in Texas for the foreseeable future.
Video of Rattlesnake Roundup:
