Killing Snakes Could Become Criminal

Last year, Iowa Legislators were inundated by letters about birds. Thiscoming year, lawmakers may be swamped with letters about snakes. Legislativeleaders tabled a bill last year which would have set a hunting season fordoves. Now, a special committee of lawmakers has voted to make the Iowalegislature decide whether certain kinds of snakes should get specialprotection. Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials suggest thetimber rattlesnake and the garter snake be classified as “wildlife.” Thatmeans people found guilty of killing those kinds of snakes could be fined. Under present law, you can kill garter snakes, timber rattlesnakes, sparrowsand starlings in Iowa because they are classified as “nuisance” animals.