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Rattlesnake Roundups:
Carnivals of Butchery
Elysia Balavage
Perhaps the fear and/or dislike of snakes seems like a
normal behavior to most Americans, since, according
to the Conservation Commission of Missouri,
approximately 20% of the population is afraid of
snakes to some degree. However, when fear and
misunderstanding are used to justify and even
promote violent acts committed against our ophidian
friends, a problem more frightening arises. In America, the potentially lethal yet exotically beautiful rattlesnake appears to bear the brunt of such injudicious cruelty. Every year, people kill countless rattlesnakes for their skin, to “protect” their families and homes from these unwelcome visitors, and for recreational purposes. The most infamous examples of such slayings-for-amusement’s-sake occur at rattlesnake roundups, where the distressed snakes are flung into overcrowded “snake pits,” harassed and abused by “certified handlers,” and often are ultimately slaughtered in front of an amused audience.
The “festivals” that we now call “rattlesnake roundups” first originated in late 1930s Oklahoma (where they were known as “catching drives”), and similar events still ensue in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. Although some roundups, such as Noxen, Pennsylvania’s Rattlesnake Roundup, claim that their featured snakes incur no harm, their handling and storage methods are questionable at best. However, roundups like the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas (the largest roundup in the country) do not pretend to treat the captured snakes benevolently; in fact, they routinely and publically butcher the serpents, and call it “entertainment.”
Every year, as many as 30,000 people attend the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup. “This is really an event for the whole family,” boasts Joe Starkey in the West Texas Tribune, “it’s educational, fun and the best opportunity for fair food in the area. You can even go on carnival rides.” Starkey’s statement could not be farther from the truth. In reality, rattlesnake roundups teach inhumane behavior, and each level of their operation retains the same amount of viciousness, beginning with the seizure of the snakes.
Rattlesnake “hunters” drive the distraught serpents from their dens via gasoline. Then, the snakes are stored in undersized, overloaded containers for transportation purposes, and receive little to no food or water; many of the snakes do not survive the journey to the roundup site because of these cruel conditions. Upon arrival, handlers shake the remaining living serpents into the snake pits, which become so overcrowded that some snakes are crushed under the substantial weight of the others. During demonstrations, the handlers abusively poke and prod at the snakes in order to anger them and instigate either a strike, or a brawl between serpents that can be likened to cock fighting or dog fighting. Additionally, it’s not out of the ordinary for handlers and even onlookers to kick the snakes, burn them with cigarettes, and remove their rattle while they’re still alive.
Even the deaths/executions are used for the amusement of a crowd; the handlers decapitate the snakes in front of the paying audience. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “a snake’s head and body can remain alive for over an hour after they are separated, due to the animal’s slow rate of metabolism. Therefore, decapitation is not considered a humane way to kill reptiles.” According to The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, about 15% of the 125,000 rattlesnakes harvested yearly are intentionally killed at roundups.
Not only do rattlesnake roundups severely harm rattlesnakes, but they negatively affect other wildlife populations. Snake collection methods cause detriment to other burrow-dwelling creatures, such as tortoises, toads, frogs, burrowing owls, possums, and raccoons. The gasoline used by hunters can even soak through the soil and pollute groundwater supplies. In addition, rattlesnakes act as apex predators, and keep potentially disease carrying rodent populations in check. Despite all of these facts, roundup organizers still attempt to rationalize their events with shady claims, like substantial scientific data, and the fact that venom supplies for antivenom are gathered from roundups. However, such “data” has never yielded any documented scientific articles, and their venom collection methods do not meet the strict guidelines set forth by the FDA. Ironically, roundups encourage the negligent behavior that would cause an individual to be bitten and require antivenom.
If the only “services” that rattlesnake roundups provide are butchery and environmental damage, then why are they still permitted? The Humane Society of the United States supplies a complete list of roundup sites and organizers in America, as well as contact information on their “Rattlesnake Roundups” webpage. Interested individuals should call, email, or write letters to these various locations, and inform them that their practices are unethical, barbaric, and destructive. If enough of us voice our opinions and put the pressure on, perhaps we can put an end to this particularly monstrous act of cruelty permanently.
Carnivals of Butchery
Elysia Balavage
Perhaps the fear and/or dislike of snakes seems like a
normal behavior to most Americans, since, according
to the Conservation Commission of Missouri,
approximately 20% of the population is afraid of
snakes to some degree. However, when fear and
misunderstanding are used to justify and even
promote violent acts committed against our ophidian
friends, a problem more frightening arises. In America, the potentially lethal yet exotically beautiful rattlesnake appears to bear the brunt of such injudicious cruelty. Every year, people kill countless rattlesnakes for their skin, to “protect” their families and homes from these unwelcome visitors, and for recreational purposes. The most infamous examples of such slayings-for-amusement’s-sake occur at rattlesnake roundups, where the distressed snakes are flung into overcrowded “snake pits,” harassed and abused by “certified handlers,” and often are ultimately slaughtered in front of an amused audience.
The “festivals” that we now call “rattlesnake roundups” first originated in late 1930s Oklahoma (where they were known as “catching drives”), and similar events still ensue in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. Although some roundups, such as Noxen, Pennsylvania’s Rattlesnake Roundup, claim that their featured snakes incur no harm, their handling and storage methods are questionable at best. However, roundups like the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas (the largest roundup in the country) do not pretend to treat the captured snakes benevolently; in fact, they routinely and publically butcher the serpents, and call it “entertainment.”
Every year, as many as 30,000 people attend the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup. “This is really an event for the whole family,” boasts Joe Starkey in the West Texas Tribune, “it’s educational, fun and the best opportunity for fair food in the area. You can even go on carnival rides.” Starkey’s statement could not be farther from the truth. In reality, rattlesnake roundups teach inhumane behavior, and each level of their operation retains the same amount of viciousness, beginning with the seizure of the snakes.
Rattlesnake “hunters” drive the distraught serpents from their dens via gasoline. Then, the snakes are stored in undersized, overloaded containers for transportation purposes, and receive little to no food or water; many of the snakes do not survive the journey to the roundup site because of these cruel conditions. Upon arrival, handlers shake the remaining living serpents into the snake pits, which become so overcrowded that some snakes are crushed under the substantial weight of the others. During demonstrations, the handlers abusively poke and prod at the snakes in order to anger them and instigate either a strike, or a brawl between serpents that can be likened to cock fighting or dog fighting. Additionally, it’s not out of the ordinary for handlers and even onlookers to kick the snakes, burn them with cigarettes, and remove their rattle while they’re still alive.
Even the deaths/executions are used for the amusement of a crowd; the handlers decapitate the snakes in front of the paying audience. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “a snake’s head and body can remain alive for over an hour after they are separated, due to the animal’s slow rate of metabolism. Therefore, decapitation is not considered a humane way to kill reptiles.” According to The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, about 15% of the 125,000 rattlesnakes harvested yearly are intentionally killed at roundups.
Not only do rattlesnake roundups severely harm rattlesnakes, but they negatively affect other wildlife populations. Snake collection methods cause detriment to other burrow-dwelling creatures, such as tortoises, toads, frogs, burrowing owls, possums, and raccoons. The gasoline used by hunters can even soak through the soil and pollute groundwater supplies. In addition, rattlesnakes act as apex predators, and keep potentially disease carrying rodent populations in check. Despite all of these facts, roundup organizers still attempt to rationalize their events with shady claims, like substantial scientific data, and the fact that venom supplies for antivenom are gathered from roundups. However, such “data” has never yielded any documented scientific articles, and their venom collection methods do not meet the strict guidelines set forth by the FDA. Ironically, roundups encourage the negligent behavior that would cause an individual to be bitten and require antivenom.
If the only “services” that rattlesnake roundups provide are butchery and environmental damage, then why are they still permitted? The Humane Society of the United States supplies a complete list of roundup sites and organizers in America, as well as contact information on their “Rattlesnake Roundups” webpage. Interested individuals should call, email, or write letters to these various locations, and inform them that their practices are unethical, barbaric, and destructive. If enough of us voice our opinions and put the pressure on, perhaps we can put an end to this particularly monstrous act of cruelty permanently.
Farpoint 2011- Timonium, MD
By: Sandy Boldman
Dates: February 18-21, 2011
Being a newcomer to the convention circuit, I was not disappointed with my experience at Farpoint 2011! The Timonium Crowne Plaza is the newest home of the Convention, which originated at the Hunt Valley Marriot, located in Hunt Valley, MD.
Upon entering the hotel, I found myself in its Atrium, which was converted into the convention’s Dealer Room for the weekend. There was something for everyone in there-from autographed photos, to various genres of movies, to beautiful costume pieces, corsets, and jewelry. Even a tarot card reader was available should a guest wish a glimpse into their future. To the right and left of the main entrance of to the hotel were hallways that lead to the various rooms used for panel discussions and the various ballrooms for musical acts. One ballroom was converted into the convention’s Gaming Room. Also available in the hotel were the Northern Lights Restaurant & Bar (which did not disappoint with their themed drinks and delicious food), a well stocked Con Suite, and an in-hotel Arcade.
Though the convention did have its complications with revolving celebrity guests, the final celebrity panel consisted of Bonita Friedericy, (Chuck), Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica), and Laurie Holden (The Walking Dead ). All three celebrity guests were available for autographs in the Atrium in between their various scheduled appearances. Ms. Friedericy provided an additional treat when she called her husband, fellow actor John Billingsley True Blood/Star Trek), so he could participate in her panel discussion, as well. John Billingsley was originally slated to appear at Farpoint this year with Ms. Friedericy, but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
Other Farpoint 2011 guests included Big Damn Fan Films (who debuted their independent film sequel to Serenity), The Boogie Knights (who provided guests with their unconventional musical parodies of Top 40 hits), and Farpoint’s usual roster of amazing author guests, this year including A.C. Crispin and first time guest, Aaron Rosenburg.
As for Panel topics, Farpoint 2011 did not fall short. Various topics of discussions included Costuming, TV & Film Media, DIY/New Media, Youth Programming, and more!
Continuing its humanitarian efforts, Farpoint chose 3 organizations to donate the proceeds from their charity auctions to: The Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, Maryland Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, and the Julien Fleming Fund.
All and all, I’d say Farpoint 2011 was a successful and eventful convention. I’m looking forward to attending Farpoint 2012 next February!
By: Sandy Boldman
Dates: February 18-21, 2011
Being a newcomer to the convention circuit, I was not disappointed with my experience at Farpoint 2011! The Timonium Crowne Plaza is the newest home of the Convention, which originated at the Hunt Valley Marriot, located in Hunt Valley, MD.
Upon entering the hotel, I found myself in its Atrium, which was converted into the convention’s Dealer Room for the weekend. There was something for everyone in there-from autographed photos, to various genres of movies, to beautiful costume pieces, corsets, and jewelry. Even a tarot card reader was available should a guest wish a glimpse into their future. To the right and left of the main entrance of to the hotel were hallways that lead to the various rooms used for panel discussions and the various ballrooms for musical acts. One ballroom was converted into the convention’s Gaming Room. Also available in the hotel were the Northern Lights Restaurant & Bar (which did not disappoint with their themed drinks and delicious food), a well stocked Con Suite, and an in-hotel Arcade.
Though the convention did have its complications with revolving celebrity guests, the final celebrity panel consisted of Bonita Friedericy, (Chuck), Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica), and Laurie Holden (The Walking Dead ). All three celebrity guests were available for autographs in the Atrium in between their various scheduled appearances. Ms. Friedericy provided an additional treat when she called her husband, fellow actor John Billingsley True Blood/Star Trek), so he could participate in her panel discussion, as well. John Billingsley was originally slated to appear at Farpoint this year with Ms. Friedericy, but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
Other Farpoint 2011 guests included Big Damn Fan Films (who debuted their independent film sequel to Serenity), The Boogie Knights (who provided guests with their unconventional musical parodies of Top 40 hits), and Farpoint’s usual roster of amazing author guests, this year including A.C. Crispin and first time guest, Aaron Rosenburg.
As for Panel topics, Farpoint 2011 did not fall short. Various topics of discussions included Costuming, TV & Film Media, DIY/New Media, Youth Programming, and more!
Continuing its humanitarian efforts, Farpoint chose 3 organizations to donate the proceeds from their charity auctions to: The Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, Maryland Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, and the Julien Fleming Fund.
All and all, I’d say Farpoint 2011 was a successful and eventful convention. I’m looking forward to attending Farpoint 2012 next February!