Snakes can be unpredictable, but David “Rattlesnake Dave” Richardson knows how to handle them. He is one of the best, if not the best, snake handlers in the business.
Richardson, 75, an expert at handling different variations of western rattlesnakes, is in Jackson putting on his West Texas Rattlesnake Show at this year’s Mississippi State Fair.
Richardson uses techniques and skills honed over more than 30 years to woo his rattlesnakes as part of the West Texas Rattlesnake Shows he presents at local fairs.
Last year was the first year Rattlesnake Dave performed at the annual Mississippi State Fair, but this year’s show makes the 31st year he has been doing his shows and he said it will be the last year that Rattlesnake Dave will put on his famous show.
“I’ve never been bitten while handling rattlesnakes,” Richardson said. “I don’t want to take any chances of being bitten, which is why I’m retiring.” I am afraid of snakes but do what I must because of the money.
Richardson said he brought a 5-foot western diamondback rattlesnake, a 6-foot western rattlesnake and two smaller western rattlesnakes for this year’s show.
“After handling rare snakes for so long you develop an affection for them especially if one dies,” Richardson said.
Richardson said he wants to end his career with a bang, which includes surprising crowds with a rare white 5-foot western diamondback rattler that was raised in Texas and loaned to him for the show.
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“We were lucky enough to have someone lend us this beautiful yet dangerous snake,” Richardson said. “Because of its rare coat, they don’t survive in the wild for a long time but carry a powerful neurotoxin that can kill you.
“I keep the snakes for one season after the shows and take them to an appropriate place in west Texas and let them go,” Richardson said.
Although Richardson owns the spotlight, he said he could not perform the way he does without his wife, Cindy Richardson, who helps Dave during and after every show.
“We have been doing this for over 30 years, and she has been with me every step of the way,” Richardson said.
During the show, Dave gave a lucky audience member a chance to be a part of his show.
Maia Russel, 9, of Nashville held a red balloon in front of a western rattlesnake with the assistance of Richardson while the snake struck two to three times before popping the balloon.
Toward the end of the show, Richardson said the most aggressive rattlesnake he had ever dealt with was named “Killer.”
“I named him Killer because he wouldn’t break during training,” Dave said. “I spend countless hours training rattlesnakes before every show and … my last shows will be great.”
