My sister and her boyfriend killed a rattlesnake, and as the animal lover I am...?

Question

it pissed me off. It wasn't bothering anyone. I told her she should appreciate nature and not to kill out of ignorance, they only defend themselves then she tells me she only appreciates nature that won't kill her. It made me angry!!! What's wrong with people?

Answer 1

I understand if it was for protection, if not then that's wrong.

Answer 2

It depends on the circumstances.  I've met many rattlesnakes and just went about my business as if there was nothing to fear.  But, if one showed up in my backyard, that would be different story.

I wouldn't kill rattlesnakes unless they are in our immediate camping area.  I know that they were there first, but the safety of my children (who are too small to understand how dangerous they are) is way more important than a the life of a snake or even my own convictions.  Even though I watch them like a hawk when we're out in the country, I don't want to take any chances with their lives. Fortunately, I've never actually had to kill one.

Answer 3

depends where they were and where the rattlesnake was, just like we need to try to avoid terrorizing them in our home they need t stay out of ours

Answer 4

Wellllll ... There's killing and killing. Generally, I won't but I might if it were a threat to my family or my animals. I have also eaten rattlesnake. Quite good. I trust that you are consistant enough to be a vegetarian.

A snake out in the wild would not be bothered unless I were on a collecting trip (I do environmental studies to supplement retirement income.) or if it were a protected species. Well, to be honest, it might be bothered enough for me to get a photograph if it were protected.

What I can't stand is the killing and wasting of an animal. Not only are rattlesnakes delicious, they have value as museum specimens or even as skins or "decoration".

Answer 5

I'd of killed it too. If you're close enough to kill it, it can kill you. Rattles are a warning to be heeded, not admired.

Answer 6

yes, i understand your point of view as an animal-lover. but let me share you mines, and this is totally honest...

if you see the circumstances this way... if you were in your sisters place...

you suddenly saw that rattlesnake and it starts hissing at you, surely you didn't mean no harm but you see, we know that snakes are partially blind and deaf, and cold-blooded (you know what i mean) it cares for itself only, and when it feels as if being tempted it will not run away, it will surely attack, that is IF it feels that way. it is hard to actually understand snakes, i don't like them either. i understand that snakes bite for protection, its their defense mechanism. it is hard to tell a snake that you mean no harm because it may not understand.

what i heard from elders, when we see a snake  try shooing it three times, don't move your feet (of course they only see those since they are on the ground) for they react when the see small movements and then bite. if it does not go away then we have to kill it, accordingly, it may be a bad omen, or Satan himself, that is ACCORDINGLY! but if it is logic that explains the situation, the snake understood that there was something there and is waiting for a move so it can strike.

its not an option to kill or not to kill the creature, you also have to think of yourself right? still religiously, snakes are part of gods creations. do not kill animals for no reason (tell that to your sister) , that was what they say. if it meant no harm just live it alone.

not all other people are like that as you say, just sometimes, we really need to think before we act to a situation... thats what i always do. and always be prepared.

it would be silly and stupid of course to let that rattlesnake bite you for the sake that you wont kill it, what do you want, that you will die instead? what if it was poisonous?

think OK! and don't think that bad of your sister, see what was on her part of the story.

SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN FOR REASONS...

Answer 7

I would of walked or ran away from the snake. I think it was their intention to kill the snake. If they feared it,they would of walk or ran away from it. I sure wouldnt be standing around trying to kill it.

Answer 8

Would won't be an animal lover when you are bitten by a rattlesnake and are lying in a hospital bed near death while you wait to see if the anti venom can save your life. Killing animals is part of Human nature, some kill for food, self defense or for sport, so don't let of obsession animal be the death of you, fool!

Answer 9

somethings  obviously wrong with people.

i would prefer saving a soul.

what your sister and her boyfriend did can be viewed as "self-defense"...

are rattlesnakes endangered species?

Answer 10

There's absolutely no reason to kill a rattlesnake.  If you're out in the wilderness, you are responsible for staying alert on the trail and watching for snakes and other hazards.  If it's in your yard, animal control can remove it.  If it's in your campsite, it's a chance to educate your children, and in any case, children should be well supervised in natural areas.  (Poison Oak/Ivy, ticks, mountain lions, etc.)  Alert the ranger or camp host, they may remove it for you to a more appropriate location.  Killing the snake means a lot more rodents, and deprives hawks, etc. from a potential meal.  And they are such beautiful creatures to behold.  From a respectable distance, of course.

This mentality is still altogether too common. It will warn, it will not kill, unless it is a juvenile and you're too drunk to get help.  I've worked out in rattlesnake country for years and been rattled at twice, and was with someone who stepped on one once.  They lived to tell the tale.

You can't reason with someone like this, but hopefully you can express your opinions and feelings well enough that perhaps next time she will abstain from killing.

Then there's the karma issue.  I do believe in it, and your sister is asking for trouble in that department!

Answer 11

Snake of all kinds are good they  keep nature in balance why kill  just walk away I have snakes in my yard quite often they eat roaches, spiders.i saw one consume a small rat. Shame on them if they  cant have compassion than compassion will NOT be given to them we they need it... think about that

Answer 12

Honey

Thru time man has feared what they dont understand.

I hope some good came from the death. If not a wasted death is the worse type.

The creature must of had bad karma in its past, and its time ran out.

Answer 13

People are scared of what they don't understand, it's that simple!

Answer 14

I think that you should try to show them that the snake is very pretty by picking it up and holding it in your hands.

Answer 15

Do not give up.

If we had more respect for the rights of animals to live in peace, and outside of the influences of the encroachment of humans, we would understand our responsibility to care for and appreciate the nature that we are living in and dependent upon.

Many animals are on the Endangered Species Lists and it is actually illegal to kill certain Reptiles and Amphibians in many states. Unless as an Emergency Measure.

More people die by the misuse of toasters than snakes, in the world today.

Perhaps we should take hammers to our toasters?

When we understand the rights of all life in nature, nature will once again smile upon us.

More people need to understand that Mankind is a mortal species, and may also end up on the Endangered Species List, which sadens one to say.