Stop Brutal Snake-killing Contests

Dear Center Supporter, "Rattlesnake roundups" -- barbaric contests in which large numbers of native snakes are captured and then slaughtered and sold for skin and meat -- draw hunters from several southern states. And these cruel events are driving some species dangerously close to extinction. Several species of rattlesnakes have seen sharp population declines as a result of the roundups. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes -- the target of roundups in Georgia and Alabama -- need Endangered Species Act protection due to roundup pressure and habitat loss. Rattlesnakes play a key role in the food web, especially in terms of rodent control.  Yet, hunters often use gasoline to drive rattlesnakes from their dens, which means roundups also hurt or kill hundreds of other species that share rattlesnake habitat. Please urge roundup sponsors to convert the remaining roundups into wildlife-friendly festivals where no snakes are killed. Click here to find out more and take action. If you can't open the link, go to http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/o/2167/t/5243/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5958. Donate now to support the Center's work. Photo of eastern diamondback rattlesnake courtesy Wikimedia Commons/Tad Arensmeier. This message was sent to ignoble.experiment@arconati.us. The Center for Biological Diversity sends out newsletters and action alerts through DemocracyinAction.org. Click here if you'd like to check your profile and preferences. Let us know if you'd like to stop receiving action alerts and newsletters from us. Center for Biological Diversity P.O. Box 710 Tucson, AZ 85702 1-866-357-3349