Thousands of snakes are captured during the event each year, and Powell said many of them are taken from state or federal lands. Most of the captured snakes are western diamondback rattlesnakes. This is an unregulated exploitation of wildlife which could disrupt the delicate balance of this desert ecosystem, Powell said. Because of the wet winter we experienced in New Mexico, rodent populations are expected to increase this year. A healthy population of natural predators is critical in keeping the rodent population in check.
Rodents carry hantavirus and plague, both of which can be fatal to humans.
The land commissioner is responsible for administering 13 million acres granted to New Mexico as trust land in 1898 and 1910. The land is held for public schools, universities, special schools and state hospitals.