Advocates for Snake Preservation

Advocates for Snake Preservation (ASP) promotes compassionate conservation and coexistence with snakes through science, education, and advocacy. We identify and address threats to snakes, conduct research and dispel myths about snakes. Snakes are threatened by many of the same issues that affect all wildlife, including habitat loss, climate change, and disease, but negative attitudes toward snakes may be the biggest barrier to their conservation. ASP was founded in 2014 and is based in Tucson, Arizona.

How we helped

With support from Lush’s Charity Pot program, ASP is expanding our campaign to stop snake slaughter at rattlesnake roundups. Each year, tens of thousands of rattlesnakes are taken from the wild to be displayed and slaughtered for entertainment and profit at rattlesnake roundups – the worst example of what happens when fear and hatred drive wildlife management. Professional hunters remove unlimited numbers of snakes from their native habitats and are awarded with cash prizes for bringing in the most and biggest snakes. Most snakes are caught by pouring gasoline into their winter dens, which pollutes surrounding land and water and may impact up to 350 other wildlife species. Despite being justified by faulty science and causing irrevocable environmental damage, media coverage of roundups was largely positive; they were portrayed as quirky festivals that provided a necessary public service. Our campaign changed that. We’ve created a dynamic, engaging website that inspires people to take action for rattlesnakes. We got the mainstream media to consider the snakes’ side of the story and discuss the controversy surrounding roundups. And we’re working on a feature-length documentary to reach an even bigger audience. We ultimately want to stop snake slaughter at roundups, but an important first step is to change the conversation. With Lush’s support we continue to expand our reach and promote coexistence rather than eradication of snakes.

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