Love, hate and rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes have been revered as symbols of renewal and reviled as emissaries of the underworld. Hunted and harassed into the dark corners of our imagination, they evoke a mix of fascination and fear. Can our fears be dispelled before this iconic creature of the American West vanishes from our landscapes?This story explores the complex relationship humans have with rattlesnakes, particularly in the American West. Throughout history, rattlesnakes have played important roles. The Hopi of the Southwest saw them as messengers to life-giving spirits, while the Aztec and Maya linked them to rain and planting seasons. Early European colonists admired their strength and virility, with the timber rattlesnake becoming a symbol of unity, notably on the Gadsden flag with the motto «Don’t Tread on Me.»Despite their cultural significance, rattlesnakes face widespread persecution. Historically, communities offered bounties for dead rattlesnakes, and annual roundups were held to kill hundreds in the name of safety. The Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, which began in 1958, continues today, attracting thousands and generating revenue. Hunters collect rattlesnakes for their skins, venom, and meat, using brutal methods like decapitation and unregulated venom extraction.In contrast, some roundups, like the one in Morris Township, Pennsylvania, have shifted toward education. These events emphasize the ecological role of rattlesnakes and allow people to interact with them. Most captured snakes are released back into the wild.This story raises ethical concerns about traditional roundups and underscores rattlesnakes’ importance in controlling rodent populations and contributing to biodiversity. Their venom also holds medical value, being used in cancer treatments, blood pressure medication, and antivenoms. Conservationists are working to protect rattlesnake populations, but changing public perception remains difficult, as fear and misinformation persist.In conclusion, this story calls for a shift in perspective, urging respect and protection for these misunderstood creatures before they disappear from the American landscape. Through education and conservation, we can better appreciate their role in our ecosystems and medicine, ensuring they thrive rather than vanish.
Project funded by National Geographic and published on the 2024 on the December issue of National Geographic.
This project have been awarded in Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 (Storytelling Portfolio Winner), POY (Photographer of the Year 2025), GDT (Fritz Polking 2025), Siena Photo Awards 2025, MontPhoto 2025.
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