The Sweetwater, Texas community kicked off its 66th annual Rattlesnake Roundup. The event, known for its snake hunts and festive atmosphere, faces growing scrutiny from wildlife advocates pushing for a more humane approach.

Despite protests, the Sweetwater Jaycees-hosted event went ahead, featuring parades, a carnival, and the main attraction - rattlesnake hunting. "The whole reason around it began was because of the number of farmers and ranchers that were losing their livestock due to snake bites and losing their pets," Blake Stephens, a co-chairman of the Research Pit with the Roundup, told KENS 5. Handlers like Stephens assist in the capture of around five thousand pounds of rattlesnakes each year to control the population.

However, critics argue the event amounts to a mass slaughter, camouflaged under the guise of public service and education. Emily Taylor, a professor at California Polytechnic State University, and her students have teamed up with the Advocates for Snake Preservation in a campaign demanding change. "We're not trying to shut down the event or make some cultural change within the community," Taylor said in a Lubbock Online article. "But there's no reason why we can't transition into celebrating wildlife instead of butchering them."

Chris Soles, public relations officer for the Sweetwater Jaycees, remained steadfast amidst the outcry, clarifying the organization's intent to push forward with tradition. Protesters have grown in size, just like the event itself, but as Soles put it, "No matter what they do, or say, we're gonna do what we have to do to put on a successful round-up."

The Rattlesnake Roundup continues to attract significant attention, luring 40,000 visitors to the town of 10,500 residents. It began as a local effort to protect livestock from venomous snake bites, but has evolved into a major economic stimulant for Sweetwater, which relies heavily on the revenue generated by this unique annual spectacle.