Letter from a Pro-Rounduper

[BWSmith]

I got this email a short while ago I thought I would share so you can see the kind of people that we are having to deal with.

Date: 2/15/2006 09:49:26 -0500
From: john.taylor@
To: info@reptileeducation.com
Subject: Claxton Snake Round-up

Even after looking at the article you submitted on your site:
http://www.reptileeducation.com/roundup2004.html

I applaud your obvious intention to save these vile and dangerous creatures
but you failed. You wrote:




These snakes are being given a second chance, but unfortunately, they
cannot go home. Due to unknown localities and the risk of introducing
pathogens, these snakes will never touch the South Georgia sand again.
What they will do is tell their story. They will teach about their
species and the perils to their survival. After a qualified herp vet
checks each one, feeding, and healthy, they are being placed free into
homes with experienced keepers and organizations where they will become
part of public education.





They cannon go home and are still in captivity under someone else's "care".
They are still emotionally "dead". You PETA people make me sick !!


Regards,
John Taylor

Of course I had to reply

Mr. Taylor,
I take offense at the assumption that anyone who would make an effort to preserve such incredible animal would be associated with a misguided organization such as PETA. However, I can only assume that your intention for this correspondence was to offend me anyway. The rescued animals have done wonders with public education and bringing these antiquated, unnecessary, and barbaric events into the public eye. Therefore, under the scope of the project, it was a success. Failing to educate someone like yourself as to the value of these animals, does not constitute a failure. You begin by referring to these creatures as "vile and dangerous", then anthropomorphise them by attributing emotion. Because this contradiction, your overall tone, and your obvious ignorance to basic environmental concepts, I can only assume that you are an adolescent. Perhaps once your school begins teaching environmental science, you will gain a new perspective. Should that not happen, my only hope is that you not breed and pollute the world with more ignorant individuals.

Regards
B W Smith

If he replies I will share it. I deleted the last part of his email to prevent hate mail being sent to him (even if he may deserve it).

[Weepngprpht]

ignorance is bliss...But i mean on a lighter note thru his ignorance and misguided hate he is still learning thru you, and his correspondence hopefully he wont be so dogmatic not to listen to what you are saying

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[toker]

wow, that person really needs are reality check.

Nice reply btw

[NicoleRussell]

what a jerk---nice job BW

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[natas]

We really need to get on the ball with this whole roundup thing this year on Redtailboa.net

I say we all come up with ideas of what we can do and get some kind of community effort going.

I think we should start a thread to discuss this, and get on the ball. I am willing to code any special pages that maybe needed, and if I can't do it myself I will pay a developer.

So BWSmith, or someone else please start a thread and get some ideas going. I am willing to work with other sites on this also.

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[BWSmith]

I need to get back in contact with Dept of Natural Resources and see what the status is and what they need.

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[bcfos1]

Anyone want to head down to Opp Alabama for their big round up thing?? I think I may take the time to go this year and see if I can make a difference or not.

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[BWSmith]

Is that the Rattlesnake Rodeo?

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[bcfos1]

Originally Posted by BWSmith

Is that the Rattlesnake Rodeo?

Yes it is.

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[BWSmith]

I did some rattlesnake wrangling for Turner South a couple years ago for their show Liars and Legends. They told me it was for a "rattlesnake thing". Turns out that it was for the Rattlesnake Rodeo. All of the segways were my footage. Not very pleased about that.

[Yorick]

wow great reply bw.. i just hate ignorant people

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[mark5019]

bw you did good maybe some day peeps will learn

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[koshde]

I thought your reply to his letter was wonderful! Although, I doubt he had the literary ability to comprehend half the words you used. Perhaps next time he writes you, you might want to limit your reply to words no greater than 2 syllables so his poor pea-sized, barbarian brain would have an inkling of hope to understanding it!

Pathetic how their city makes a profit by exploiting the misguided fears of the public. I thought showcasing "vicious, savage, dangerous, (insert your favorite scary word here)" wild animals ended with modern civilized society. Although I shouldn't have expected so much from some backwoods Georgia county. I hope this crudeness isn't typical of your state.

[bcfos1]

Originally Posted by BWSmith

I did some rattlesnake wrangling for Turner South a couple years ago for their show Liars and Legends. They told me it was for a "rattlesnake thing". Turns out that it was for the Rattlesnake Rodeo. All of the segways were my footage. Not very pleased about that.

You know if it was me I would have never agreed to do anything for a show titled "Liars and Legends". Even the title isn't truthful, so why would one think anything they told you would be either.

[charmoore]

Great response BW! I hope nothing like that is going on in Ca. I'll have t do some searching.

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[BWSmith]

Liars and Legends is an interesting little show. It highlights southern culture. My footage actually turned out nice and is being converted so that it can be uploaded. The only redeeming factor is that there were a few words regarding not killing snakes and no mention was made as to their impending fate.

[NicoleRussell]

(BW and Brian have cute little matching KickMe signs)

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[bcfos1]

Originally Posted by NicoleRussell

(BW and Brian have cute little matching KickMe signs)

You have gone out of control with the kick me thing...

[louise]

BW i swear to god i will pay you for that persons email address. please let me send him just one!!!
as always your letter back to him was great....mine on the other hand would be WAY different. please let me have the email. PM it to me or tell me in chat.

these snakes will never touch the South Georgia sand again

how can that not tear at anybodys heart???


if i went to a round up could i meet that john taylor guy??? i will bring bond money.

[BWSmith]

His reply:

Mr. Smith,
It was NOT my intention to "offend" just to state my position that I as you
think the PETA group is indeed Misguided and a lot of what they propose is
what I consider to be "out on a limb".

For the record... I'm 48 and have actually raised a very intelligent
daughter who was taught from an early age to never kill anything that you
had no intention of eating. And it's obvious that you sir, have never lost
a family pet to one of these poisonous snakes. We have lost 2 and I
personally will Protect what I hold dear.

I have been to the "round-up" on several occasions when my daughter was
much younger and found it to be most educational for the both of us AND
it's as close as I wish for my child (or pets) to come to these creatures
of God., which for the record DO have a place in the eco system, just not
in MY yard.

Again, no offense was meant.

Regards,
John Taylor

My reply to him.

Mr Taylor,
Unfortunately, the Roundup is a pool of sensationalism, misinformation, and bold face lies. In order to understand why this is the case, one must look at the history and the "reasons" for holding such an event. The Rattlesnake Roundup in Claxton is less than 40 years old. From the data available, in the 1960's, Diamondback populations in that area were far from explosive and posed no significant threat to humans. An extermination was not warranted for that area. The source was the City of Claxton seeing the large crowds drawn to such events in other states where it had been going on for many years. It was solely a financial decision. I spoke to several of the "snake hunters" at the roundup and was informed that most of the Diamondbacks are actually having to be caught in Alabama because populations in the area have been decimated. It has been officially proposed several times to include the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake as a species of special concern. Habitat loss, decline in Gopher Tortoise Populations, and Roundups play a significant role in this decrease. Therefore, despite what the roundup "educators" say, Diamondback populations in Georgia are reaching a critical low.

They also milk the snakes during this festival. It is told to the general public that this venom is used in antivenom and for other medicinal purposes. In order for venom samples to be of any value, they must be obtained in a sterile environment in controlled circumstances and be properly prepared. Upon my personal research, I have found no antivenom manufacturer or research facility that would accept venom extracted under these conditions.

There is no denying that these are potentially dangerous creatures. It is important to remember that we are placing homes in their habitat, so occasionally crossing paths is to be expected. There are many relocators that will remove nuisance Diamondbacks from your property so that they can be relocated to a more remote area. Killing a venomous snake is not a viable solution, or safe. A snake can live for quite some time even after it has been decapitated. A recent study indicated that 5% (if memory serves) of envenomations were inflicted by decapitated snakes. I would be happy to help you find a relocator in your area. I will also mention that there are Snake Deterrence classes for dogs which train the dog to avoid snakes. I am not certain if there are any in your area, but it may be worth researching to prevent any future losses.

I, and many others, do many free educational programs throughout the state of Georgia and would encourage you, daughter, or anyone else to attend one in order to gain a more clear understanding of herpetofauna. There are many misconceptions and misinformation that has been passed by word of mouth for generations and by the promotional antics of events such as the Roundup. Whether the rattlesnakes are loved or loathed, it is paramount for people have a factual understanding of them and their role in the environment.

Thank you for the clarification and I hope to see you at a program.

B W Smith