Rattlesnake roundups, the gathering/festival-type event where thousands of reptiles are lost, need to end. People pay to get into these events, where openly inhumane actions are taken. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What exactly happens at a rattlesnake roundup? Beforehand, snakes are collected and taken from their habitat, without a bag or take limit, then left in horrible, crowded conditions without food or water for however long the event managers decide. During this time the snakes are handled abusively and carelessly. 

During the event, these snakes are slaughtered by the masses for crowd entertainment. The common form of killing here involves separating the snake's head from its body, but even this is no relief to the abused animal. Rattlesnakes, even when separated from their body, can continue living for about an hour afterwards. 

The snakes' bodies are not even respectfully taken care of. They're put on display and butchered. 

Rattlesnakes play a crucial role in their environment. They control the rodent population, are a food source for animals higher up on the food chain, disperse seeds through their omnivorous diet, and assist in the biodiversity of their habitat. They're so much more that venomous. With the venom they're known for, rattlesnake mothers fight to protect their young. 

Rattlesnakes themselves have their own social lives and communities. Did you know that a rattlesnake mother will sometimes hire a 'babysitter' (a fellow snake) to watch her young? They also have their own personal rivals and personalities. 

The largest of these events is held in Sweetwater, Texas. Last year, in 2024, at this event alone, over 1,000 snakes were killed. And it's happening again this year. And they won't stop. The Sweetwater roundup is always held on the second weekend of March. That weekend, imagine how many lives will be lost. Join the cause. Sign the petition. 

But there's more to be done. You can send a digital comment to the Sweetwater roundup itself, asking that they stop. (Link to Sweetwater's roundup site) You can make your own petition. Comment on this one. Videos and voice messages work great too. Money donations aren't needed. You can also send letters to Sweetwater and the government of the town as well as Texas's. 

The best place to learn more is ASP's (Advocates for Snake Preservation) website. (Link to ASP's rattlesnake roundup page) They have reliable information and their own rallying cry for the ending of roundups as well. I highly encourage taking a look at their site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's happening to these snakes is the farthest away from humane. We call them monsters, but then, what are we? 

We have to stop this now. Spread the word. Share this with everyone and anyone you know. Become an advocate. Don't stop here. Together, we can end this abuse. 

My goal is to reach around 10,000 signatures, hopefully before the next Sweetwater roundup, but if not, then before the next one in 2026. I will be sending this petition when it gets enough signatures to state, county, and government representatives in Texas and Sweetwater, as well as to ASPCA and other humane societies. You're welcome to send to anyone else that you want to persuade.

Use the hashtags  stoprattlesnakeroundups #savetherattlesnakes and #savetexaswildlife so we can get this petition seen.

(Ignore the 'no response marking on the decision makers. I haven't sent the petition out yet)

Thank you for reading this and supporting my petition. Your help is humongous towards this cause.