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Up Close and Personal With A Western Diamondback

By: Alex Hayes
Updated: March 5, 2012
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It's an event that makes most people cringe, but for the brave at heart, Rattlesnake Roundup is a tradition that can't be missed.

This year marks the 54th Annual Roundup, an event that on average brings in over 6,000lbs of snake.

"There's one year we had 18,000 pounds plus," says Donny Willman, from the Sweetwater Jaycees.

Not only does the round up raise funds for the Jaycee Non-profit organization, it also helps keep the rattlesnake population under control, which Willman says is very important.

"If we don't control them, they'll be controlling us," says Willman.

Despite most people's fears, Willman says snakes prefer to leave humans alone.

"They'd rather stay away from us because they know we're too big to eat," explaisn Willman.

But one thing's for sure, the bite of a Western Diamondback packs quite a punch.

"They have a nasty temperament about them," says Willman, "but for the most part, they would really rather save their venom."

That's because rattlesnakes are only born with a limited supply of the deadly poison, which is lost every time they take a bite.

Connect with Rattle Snake Roundup:
Nolan County Coliseum
Sweetwater, TX
Fri. March 9th - 11th
Doors open at 9 a.m. Friday
Find them on Facebook!

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