Do they eat rattlesnake in Texas?

But rattlesnake meat is considered by others to be a delicacy of sorts. Hunters in Texas are known to eat what they kill, and given the proper know-how and tools, a rattlesnake can be skinned, cleaned, and cooked, resulting in a dish that has been likened to eating turtle or frogs legs.

Does Texas still have rattlesnake roundups?

“A few rattlesnake roundups still persist,” the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement full of scorn for the Texas festival, which is “notorious for openly killing and skinning western diamondback rattlesnakes by the hundreds in front of crowds.”

Is rattlesnake good eating?

While rattlesnake meat is great to eat, it isn’t worth receiving a bite. Just like wild mushrooms, you might only get one chance to mess this up.

What is the best way to cook rattlesnake?

Heat 2 inches of oil in a medium pan until it reaches 375 degrees F. Then dredge the rattlesnake pieces in the flour. Cook the rattlesnake in the oil in batches to not overcrowd the pan. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown.

What does fried rattlesnake taste like?

“Rattlesnake tastes, when breaded and fried, like a sinewy, half-starved tilapia,” according to The New York Times. Called “desert whitefish” in the Southwest, it’s reportedly “bland and difficult to eat,” tough, sinewy, and full of little bones. There’s very little in the way of actual flavor.

Can you get sick from eating rattlesnake?

“If venom’s been dripping down the snakes and it touches your hands, you would want to be sure you keep it away from any open wounds or scratches.” Another concern is salmonella, which can dwell in the gut of the reptile. As long as the intestines are kept intact, she said, toxins would not be exposed to the meat.

How do you eat fried rattlesnakes?

Fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until the exterior is golden brown and crunchy, and the thickest part reads 165-degrees internal temperature. Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. The best way to eat rattlesnake is to peel away the “backstraps” along either side of the backbone.

Are timber rattlesnakes protected in Texas 2021?

Today, every state inhabited by timber rattlesnakes has laws protecting the species, including Texas. In Texas, it is listed as a threatened species. This means that people cannot take, transport, have in their possession or sell timber rattlesnakes.

What eats rattlesnakes in Texas?

Coyotes, bobcats, skunks, foxes, hawks and owls, and snake-eating snakes such as king snakes, indigo snakes and cottonmouths feed on timber rattlesnakes.