NOXEN, Pa. (AP) ― Some people collect stamps, some collect coins. In northeastern Pennsylvania this weekend, they’re collecting rattlesnakes.
Hunters are heading to the hills around Noxen in Wyoming County to gather specimens for the annual Rattlesnake Roundup, which started Thursday and runs through Sunday. The main attraction is the annual rattlesnake hunt and display of snakes on the carnival grounds Saturday and Sunday.
“We’re expecting about 20 to 30 hunters this year,” said organizer Matt McCormack, who added that the main focus of the weekend is education about the reptiles.
“We try to teach people a little more about their habitat and how to react if they see one,” he said. “Any landowner or homeowner will run into one at some point, and we want to educate them on what to do.”
Last year there were 20 rattlers caught, along with 28 nonpoisonous snakes.
Anyone bringing in a rattlesnake — hunters are limited to one each — will have to pay $25 for a license and adhere to Pennsylvania Game Commission restrictions on snake size at 42 inches.
This weekend also features a carnival and live entertainment both weekend nights as well as a parade of firefighters and a fireworks display.
The event is the primary fundraiser for the Noxen Volunteer Fire Company, McCormack said.
“It’s what keeps gas in the trucks,” he said.
Pingback: Artists off the beaten track | Garden Rock Lights