Eastern Diamondback Could Be Listed As Endangered
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: May 14, 2012
The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake could be listed as endangered.
Federal wildlife officials say they're reviewing the snakes status to see if that particular snake should be listed under the endangered species act. According to wildlife officials, one reason is that more snakes are being killed by people.
Three environmental groups started a petition for federal wildlife leaders to review their status.
The executive director of the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association says that snake should be put on the list because though venomous, these rattlesnakes are necessary for the ecosystem to thrive.
Opponents say people will still kill them even if it becomes an endangered species.
"They're a natural predator they're checks and balances in nature," said Chet Powell, the executive director of the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association.
"Even if they put it on the list it's not going to stop people from killing something that can kill them," said Dallas Burn with Harden's Taxidermy.
Wildlife officials say a loss of habitat is causing a decline in these snakes.
Federal wildlife officials say they're reviewing the snakes status to see if that particular snake should be listed under the endangered species act. According to wildlife officials, one reason is that more snakes are being killed by people.
Three environmental groups started a petition for federal wildlife leaders to review their status.
The executive director of the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association says that snake should be put on the list because though venomous, these rattlesnakes are necessary for the ecosystem to thrive.
Opponents say people will still kill them even if it becomes an endangered species.
"They're a natural predator they're checks and balances in nature," said Chet Powell, the executive director of the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association.
"Even if they put it on the list it's not going to stop people from killing something that can kill them," said Dallas Burn with Harden's Taxidermy.
Wildlife officials say a loss of habitat is causing a decline in these snakes.
