Rattlesnake roundup draws big crowds, and critics, to small Texas town

More than 20,000 people are expected to turn out for four days of wrangling, milking and even eating. But opposition from animal welfare groups is mounting

If you are thrilled by the idea of gawping at a giant vat of writhing rattlesnakes, taking part in a rattlesnake-eating competition or witnessing a beauty queen decapitate a rattlesnake, then west Texas is the place to be this weekend.

The world's largest rattlesnake "roundup" kicks off in the remote town of Sweetwater on Thursday. The four-day event attracted 20,000 paying spectators - double the town's population - last year, with a bumper haul of snakes set to draw large numbers again this time around.