The Biggest Rattlesnake Roundup in the World by Bea Tifton

 Snakes. Not even Indiana Jones could brave them. But in Sweetwater, Texas, home of the largest Rattlesnake Roundup in the world, hundreds of people actually seek out rattlesnakes.  The roundup began in 1958 when farmers and ranchers worked together to try to eliminate the western diamond rattlesnakes because the snakes were reportedly biting livestock and pets. The local police and sheriff departments were getting so many calls about problems with the rattlesnakes that they were finding it difficult to perform any of their other responsibilities.  In 1959, the local Jaycees organization took possession of the event and still put on the roundup every year.

The Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup has become a huge event with an annual festival that includes a cook-off, a dance, a gun, coin and knife show, concessions stands, bus tours, guided hunts, vendor booths, a parade, and a carnival. For the cook-off, not only are brisket, ribs, chicken, and beans prepared by cooks from around the state, but of course, it includes rattlesnake. The concessions stand offers southern fried rattlesnake, French fries, drinks, corn, and snacks. For the guided hunts, participants “need the proper permits (a hunting license and a non-game stamp) and courage. “  The tours are for “People who wish to view and photograph the rattlesnake in its natural habitat. " (http://www.rattlesnakeroundup.net/20171.html)

Each year a panel appoints a “Miss Snake Charmer,” who is responsible for attending community events, interacting with the local residents, presiding over the following year’s contest, and climbing into a pit of poisonous snakes, decapitating and skinning them.

In 2016, the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce reported that the roundup brought 8.4 million dollars to the local economy. The money that is raised by the Jaycees  used to host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, hold toy drives, and provide college scholarships for people living in that community. 

The Rattlesnake Roundup is not without its detractors. Opponents argue that there is a significant damage to the environment because of the use of gasoline during the hunt and animal rights groups are vehemently opposed to what they term as the slaughter of thousand of rattlesnakes each year.  Some even claim that the “Threat to man and cattle is greatly exaggerated.” (https://islandpress.org/blog/sweetwater-jaycees-worlds-largest-rattlesnake-roundup) Some researchers are preparing to propose a state law that bans killing snakes in these rattlesnake roundups. They point to examples of some no-kill roundups that still bring tourist dollars and provide excitement. 

Rob  McCann of the Jaycees said that "Rattlesnakes are a way of life here. We are not trying to eradicate rattlesnakes-we teach people to live around them. Don't judge us because you don't have rattlesnakes where your kids play."

Despite the controversies, the Jaycees plan to continue organizing the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup for years to come.