Rattlesnake round-up

Rattlesnake round-ups originated in the first half of the 20th century for adventure and excitement, as well as to achieve local extirpation of perceived pest species.

[1] Typically a round-up will also include trade stalls, food, rides, and other features associated with fairs, as well as snake shows that provide information on rattlesnake biology, identification, and safety.

[3][4] Many round-ups are no longer slaughtering snakes, but have transitioned to educational festivals celebrating rattlesnakes and other wildlife.

[8] However, poaching and roundups have been destructive to populations of timber rattlesnakes (C. horridus) in the northeastern United States.

[3][9][10] In response, some round-ups impose catch size restrictions or release captured snakes back into the wild.