Victory! 🏆🐍 The Lake Providence Snake Rodeo is no more

[Bogertophis]

Update from Advocates for Snake Preservation (ASP):

I am thrilled to let you know that the Lake Providence Snake Rodeo has finally ended! Your calls, letters, and signatures put an end to this unethical slaughter of wildlife. Since the mid-1960s, thousands of snakes were shot at this event in northeast Louisiana, with participants receiving prizes for killing the most and longest snakes. In 2018, Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts reached out to ASP for help ending this horrific event. Over the next six years our supporters submitted thousands of letters, emails, petition signatures, and testified before the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. In late 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries proposed stronger protections for reptiles and amphibians, including a prohibition on events like the Lake Providence Snake Rodeo that wantonly waste wildlife. Despite strong opposition from those exploiting wild animals for profit, these protections were adopted by the wildlife commission in November 2024 and became law earlier this year. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action. Many, many thanks to our partners at Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts for leading the fight against the rodeo. And a huge shoutout to Louisiana State Herpetologist Keri Lejeune for her persistence in getting the amendments passed that ultimately banned the rodeo. You can read more about The Lake Providence Snake Rodeo at LivingWithSnakes.org. Take care and thank you, for all you do for snakes, every day! Melissa Amarello (she/her) Executive Director, ASP PS. Snake Week is coming: 13-19 July 2025 will be a worldwide celebration of snakes! Learn more and get involved at SnakeWeek.org.

Advocates for Snake Preservation is changing how people view and treat snakes. We're located on the occupied lands of the Chiricahua and Warm Springs Apache, and would like to pay respects to the Apache and all native elders, past and present. Our mailing address is: PO Box 2752, Silver City, New Mexico 88062