Yearly rattlesnake roundup event yields dozens of serpents

NOXEN, Pa. (AP) - Dozens of serpents have been collected as a part of an annual Rattlesnake Roundup in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Thirty-nine of the 59 registered hunters brought in a rattlesnake to Noxen during the weekend. Eight poisonous copperheads and 20 nonvenomous snakes were also hauled in.

The largest dark phase and light phase rattlesnakes both came in at nearly 4ˆ½ feet. The heaviest rattlesnake weighed 4 pounds, 1.8 ounces, and one hunter brought in a rattlesnake with 13 rattles.

The largest nonvenomous snake was a black rat snake that measured nearly 6ˆ½ feet.

The four-day event sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was first held in 1973 and raises money for the Noxen Fire Department and other local groups.

The snakes are returned to their natural habitat.