’Tis the Season for the Rattlesnake Roundup!
While Texas may have its fair share of people who suffer from ophidiophobia — fear of snakes — the 30,000 who attended last year’s Rattlesnake Roundup were not among them!
Since 1958, Sweetwater, Texas has been home to the largest rattlesnake roundups in the United States.
The roundup originated to control the town’s snake population. Sweetwater farmers were aggravated by the sheer number of reptiles, so they decided to get together and “round them up!” Eventually, the practice turned into a lucrative community event. The four-day festival has brought the economically challenged town, with a population of over 10,000, more than $8 million.
Celebrating All Things Rattlesnake
The Sweetwater Jaycees, an international civic organization for young adults ages 18 to 40, proudly host this annual event during the second weekend of March. Attendees can enjoy a lively parade, thrilling rides, a bustling vendor fair, and the highly anticipated crowning of Miss Snake Charmer. For the adventurous, concession stands serve up unique delicacies like Southern-fried rattlesnake. And for those looking to make unforgettable memories, visitors from around the world can say they’ve danced at the official World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup Dance.
Adding to the excitement, cash prizes and trophies are awarded in several competitions, including the snake-eating contest and categories for the most, the heaviest, and the longest rattlesnakes caught. The state championship cook-off winner takes home a $1,500 first prize, while the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind Bicycle Race offers a $1,000 reward to its top finisher.
For those eager to learn, expert-led snake shows provide insights into rattlesnake biology, identification, and safety. Outdoor enthusiasts can hop on a bus tour or join a guided hunt for a chance to observe and photograph rattlesnakes in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, snake collectors often walk away with impressive profits, capitalizing on the market for these fascinating reptiles.
The Stars of the Show Writhe and Shine
Spring warmth speeds up rattlesnakes’ metabolism and entices them out of hibernation. They awaken in late February to early March and prepare to mate — males perform elaborate combat dances to attract females. The summer heat fuels them and they gradually decrease activity from late October into the winter.
Uncoiling Rattlesnake Facts
- Named for the rattles on their tails, which deter predators.
- Venom aids in defense, digestion, and is injected via fangs.
- Rarely bite humans unless provoked.
- Most active at dawn and dusk.
- Snakebites are rarely fatal if treated promptly.
Snake Season Suggestions
- Stay alert!
- When hiking, stick to clear paths, avoiding tall grass and dense brush.
- As you walk, make noise, stomp, or use a walking stick.
- Wear long pants and tuck them into closed shoes or boots.
- Use leather gloves when gardening.
- Keep grass short.
- Seal home entry points.
- Learn how to identify venomous rattlesnakes.
Quick Guide
- Copperheads have an hourglass pattern on their skin and prefer woodland areas.
- Cottonmouths, or water moccasins, can be identified by their white, open mouth.
- To help distinguish the milk snake or king snake: Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack. Coral snakes (venomous, below) have red and yellow bands touching. Milk and king snakes (harmless) have red and black bands touching.
- Western Diamondbacks are known for their distinctive warning rattle.
Something Slithering too Close for Comfort?
- Stay calm and stay still to prevent startling the snake.
- Slowly back away, avoiding sudden movements.
- Do not try to touch, capture, or kill a snake.
- If necessary, make noise. Stomping or yelling may encourage the snake to move away.
- Be sure to alert others nearby.
Snakebite? Don’t Get Rattled!
- Try to stay calm.
- Keep the affected limb at or below heart level.
- Gently remove any jewelry or tight clothing, keeping the bite area still to prevent venom from spreading.
- Don’t waste time attempting any first aid on your own; proceed immediately to an emergency room.
- Shedding Snake Stigma
- Here’s why we should respect, rather than fear, this misunderstood reptile:
- Snakes control pest populations, especially rodents and ticks, which are known to carry diseases.
- Both prey and predator, they play an important role in maintaining the food ecosystem.
- They interact with other species and are crucial in maintaining the earth’s biodiversity.
Visit this website identify venomous and nonvenomous snakes in Texas or visit here for information about the Rattlesnake Roundup.