Eastern rattlesnake slithers closer to U.S. endangered list [View all]

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Eastern rattlesnake slithers closer to U.S. endangered list

By Verna Gates

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama | Fri May 11, 2012 3:16pm EDT

(Reuters) - The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, North America's largest venomous snake, may need its own antidote.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering adding the reptile to the Endangered Species List to restrict its hunting, killing and sale.

"We are going to do our best to keep these beautiful animals on the planet with us," said Dan Everson, Deputy Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service in Alabama.

The service on Wednesday approved further study on the declining numbers of the snake species.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/11/us-usa-rattlesnake-idUSBRE84A14D20120511