What's that sound?

"Wild animals never kill for sport. 

Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow creatures is amusing in itself."

James Anthony Froude

I remember seeing this crazy thing they do in Sweetwater, TX every year on TV, and when I discovered I lived a mere hour and a half from it, I just had to go see what all the hoopla is about.  The World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, a three day event full of snake exhibitions, milking pits, Miss Snake Charmer pageant, cook off, guided snake hunts, and lots and lots and lots of craft booths; most of which are geared towards, of course, rattlesnake items.  Karlie, Zoey and I ventured east toward the crazy event.

As a lover of all things furry, feathery, scaly, creepy and crawly, this was a fun event.   There were handlers and educators in the pits.  There was even opportunities to touch a snakes as they brought them around.  The demonstrations were great, Zoey learned of behaviors, anatomy, habitats, venom, anti-venom, and safety. Zoey wanted to stay near the demonstration pit all day. 

They had viewing ports into the pits for kids.

When held the snakes were ready to attack.

She ain't afraid of no snake.

Zoey's trying to get in on the pic...loved feeling them.

 
We considered a snack of rattlesnake bites for the fun of it, but the line was too long to make it even remotely fun, and they smelled less than appetizing.  We avoided the kill pit which was discreetly screened off for those of us who wished not to see it, and the skinning pit, which was in the middle of everything; since it made us a little sad to see so many creatures destroyed, and disgusted it is in such a theatrical manner.  We did enjoy the booths and all the oddities they offered.

Skins, so many skins.

Those curved bones at the top are raccoon penises.  Who knew?

We finished the day on a few rides set up nearby. 

Our friend Matt, who had come to meet other friends bringing in their catch of snakes from their personal farm, joined us on the rides...

... and even took Zoey on a few himself (since I declined paying for a pass myself)...

Zoey and Matt on the Gravitron, which she loved!  Thanks Matt!

....once Karlie learned that kiddie rides can be as sickening, if not more so, than adult rides.

I personally love animals of all sorts and have no problem with hunting for food understand the hunting of some to keep things in check in this world where man rules and habitats are declining.  The event was originally conceived to reduce the large rattlesnake population in the area to ensure human safety, but now it is a highly commercialized event purportedly comprised largely of farm-raised snakes.   Although it was a enjoyable experience for getting up close and learning about these fearsome creatures, I wouldn't be inclined to support the event in the future due to the killing aspect of the event.