"Eastern Rattlesnake Slithers Closer To U.S. Endangered List"

"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.

The study will take 12 months of scientific surveys and public comments to determine if the rattlesnake qualifies for endangered status."

Verna Gates reports for Reuters May 14, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

"Texas Facing Growing Population of Poisonous Snakes This Year" (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

"Snakes on a Plain" (Napa Valley Register)

"2 Million Snakes: Experts Agree With Recent BBC Report" (Guam Pacific Daily News)