IN DEFENSE OF RATTLESNAKES
and misguided
hatred. But they’re
important predators
that help control
rodent numbers, and
rattlesnake venom is
studied for potential
medical uses—including
in cancer and even
COVID-19 research.An eastern black-
tailed rattlesnake sits
coiled on a log by the
side of a road in the
Davis Mountains of
West Texas. Rattle-
snakes long have
been killed indiscrim-
inately in the United
States out of fear
JULY 27