Rattlesnake festivals have traditionally been a gruesome affair for the stars of the show. The rattlesnakes gathered for these spectacles usually ende
Rattlesnake festivals have traditionally been a gruesome affair for the stars of the show. The rattlesnakes gathered for these spectacles usually ended up dead. But over the last several years, that has changed, and most of these festivals have switched gears to promote the value that these reptiles have on the environments that they live in.
Read The Cruelty of Rattlesnake Roundups
texas rattlesnake festival
Rattlesnake venom research provides insight into various human diseases and ailments.
One such festival is the Texas Rattlesnake Festival in Houston. This show is designed to educate folks about the importance, not only of rattlesnakes in their natural environment, but of rattlesnake venom in medical research.
The theme for this year’s show is Be The Match. Organizers are hoping that attendees will submit to a non-invasive test in an effort to bolster blood marrow donations to help save the lives of blood cancer patients.
Texas Rattlesnake Festival
A seminar on rattlesnake behavior.
Events planned for the show include presentations from some of the foremost reptile experts in the country, including Dr. Elda Sanchez, Dr. Spencer Greene, and Clint Pustijovsky to name a few.
Attendees will also be able to hear Orry Martin, the Texas Snake Hunter, speak on what happens at other rattlesnake roundups, such as what goes on at the event in Sweetwater, Tex., and what slaughtering hundreds of rattlesnakes does to the environment in which they were removed.
Other activities include:
- Hands on experiences for all ages
- Children’s crafts and activities
- Native reptile identification
- Capture and relocate demonstrations
The show, which runs March 12-13 will take place at The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, 9055 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303. Adults are $8. Children ages 4-13, $5, and children 3 and under area free.
For more information, visit the http://www.texasrattlesnakefestival.com, or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/texasrattlesnakefestival
