FIVE TONS OF RATTLESNAKES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 133, 14 September 1910, Page 3

FIVE TONS OF RATTLESNAKES.

The rattlesnake is the most dangerous reptile in the United States. Yet there is in America a man who sells five tons of them each season. "I get them to sell to side-shows and variety entertainments," he states. "They are in great demand, and the rattlesnake market is never glutted. They are very delicate, and usually live only a few weeks after their fangs are removed. To remove the fangs I force a 'broomstick down the snake's throat; then with a pair of pliers I just pull out the fangs. There are never enough rattlesnakes to supply the demand, and they bring a good price." A valley in the Rocky Mountains is famous for the enormous quantity of rattlesnakes it harbours. The place is alive with them. To this spot the man goes for his supply. When attending to business he is dressed in a suit of thick leather over a corduroy. He has felt ■boots over his leather boots, two pairs of thick gloves, a fur cap covering his head, neck, and shoulders, a pair of ■goggles, and a mask. For a weapon lie has a forked: stick provided with a wire slip noose. He pins the snake to the ground with the stick, and the wire tightens round the neck, choking the reptile into unconsciousness. Then the snake is put into a basket, and when the basket is filled the snakes are dumped in a waggon waiting near by At evening in his cabin the man occupies himself in pulling out the fangs.