An Educational Roundup?

Photo of Noxen Fire Volunteer showing tubed venomous snake, rather than some more barbaric ways of other roundups such as sewing mouths shut while unsedated. Photo from Noxen Fire Dept Facebook page

Over the years I have ranted and raved about the evils of Rattlesnake Roundups and many of them have shifted from the torture events of yore to educational events. WHile looking for positive press to share about reptiles, I stumbled across one I wasn't familiar with.

They collect all snakes, not just venomous and there are prizes similar to the evil roundups, however the difference lies with what happens after the round up.

When the roundup concludes, all of the rattlesnakes must be returned to the location where they were captured before they were brought to the pit.

This was the other thing that caught my eye and gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling from the article.

The snakes also keep the population of small mammals in check, and additionally can help control tick-borne diseases by consuming the ticks that are found on their prey.

Fear of snakes is common in people, and the Noxen Rattlesnake Roundup can be a place to get over that fear. The snake pit with reptiles on display will be open Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Keystone Reptile Club works alongside the Noxen Fire Department to provide assistance and education on reptiles. That is the key on how we turn the rattlesnake roundups from an event of animals abuse to a fundraising event that protects our native wildlife that helps keep things like Hanta Virus in check.

Im interested to hear from anyone who is involved in this one or has gone to it! Is it as good as it sounds? Is it as educational as I hope? I would love to see more from this event! Education is so key to protecting our animals and overcoming fears and misconceptions. The fight to change round-ups has been long and hard and while we still are fighting to change places like Sweetwater, it is refreshing to see somewhere like Noxen who has actively made a change from abuse to education. To read the article that sent me down the rabbit hole, click here!