They serve a purpose, they help keep rodents in check. Just as wolves, coyotes, birds of prey and all other predators do. Some we kill because of reputation. I have no problem with this. Coyotes make this list. But we hunt them for the sport and they are certainly enough numbers to support this practice. Hunting snakes is not a sport unless you consider the various "rattlesnake round up's" a sporting event.
Many kill snakes because of the perception that they are dangerous and need to be destroyed. If you are in that group, do you think the same of bears, mountain lions and wolves? Take a look at the statistics.
If you check Wikipedia you will find the amount of deaths in the United States since 2010 due to snakebite to be as follows:
Jamie Coots, male
Feb 15, 2014 rattlesnake
Coots was bitten on the right hand during a service at his Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name church in Middlesboro, Kentucky. After the bite, Coots dropped the snakes, but then picked them back up and continued the ceremony. Later, he was driven to his home. When paramedics arrived, his relatives refused medical treatment for him, saying it was inconsistent with his religion. He died at home.
Mark Randall Wolford, 44, male
May 28, 2012 Timber Rattlesnake
Wolford was bitten on the thigh while handling a timber rattlesnake as part of an outdoor religious service at Panther State Forest in McDowell County, West Virginia. Wolford did not initially seek medical treatment for his injury, but was taken to Bluefield Regional Medical Center when his condition began to deteriorate some eight hours later. Wolford was a pastor and often handled his pet snake during church services. Wolford's father, Mack Wolford, died in 1983 under similar circumstances.
Wade Westbrook, 26, male
January 29, 2011 Copperhead
Westbrook was bitten just above the right elbow while handling a copperhead; he had been attempting to determine the snake's sex. According to witnesses, Westbrook "tried to extract the venom with a tool after he was bitten, then he began coughing and vomiting before he collapsed. Westbrook was pronounced dead on arrival at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.The cause of death was determined to be "anaphylactic shock as a result of the snake bite."
William Price, 67, male
October 13, 2010 rattlesnake
Probably a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Price was bitten above the right ankle while wading across a stream near Cuyamaca Reservoir in Cuyamaca, California. Price had been taking part in a study of steelhead trout that was funded by a state Department of Fish and Game grant. According to witnesses, Price "stopped breathing within minutes" of being bitten. The bite marks on his foot were reportedly "an inch and a half across." Price was airlifted to Palomar Medical Center, but later died.
That is four people since 2010 and two were religious nut balls and one died from careless handling. The only death from an outdoor activity was that of William Price.
By contrast, according to Wikipedia, there have been ten deaths attributed to bear attacks in North America. But of course we do not shoot every bear we see because they are dangerous.
The snake has always been the most loathed creature on this earth. Nothing is going to change this. This has been indoctrinated into all of us from an early age beginning with Adam & Eve and up to Yosemite Sam calling another character a low down snake. So saying that you kill snakes because they are dangerous just does not hold water. You kill snakes because that is what you have been taught.
When I was in Iraq we were lectured about snakes and the correct protocol. There are six species of venomous snakes in that hell hole of a country. We were advised to avoid all contact and never use our weapon to kill them and possibly compromise our position. A few guys used rocks to kill some, but most followed the orders to avoid. I saw several while deployed and I left them alone.
So before you place the bead on the next one you happen upon, ask yourself why you are killing it. Ninety-nine percent of you will answer "because it is a snake." And that is a shame.
I know I am in the extreme minority here. But what the hell, an opposing viewpoint is needed now and again.
i considered climbing on top of the console to the highest spot in the boat.we took off & it bailed when we got to top speed!i understand if you get bitten by a copperhead the anti -venom is about $25000.00 per vial & you might need several!yall becareful & remember theres probably gonna be a mate nearby !
This dude measured 50" minus a head and 7" in circumference. I don't think I'll cut it up into hatbands or even a belt, it wastes too much. Gonna get a slab from the local lumber mill where they cut off the bark to square up logs and mount the whole skin on it, should be a cool looking piece. Just hope I don't turn around and bump into it unexpectedly and give myself a heart attack 
