The self-proclaimed World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup took a big bite out of the records book this past weekend when Jaycees bought nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of snakes.

According to the Rob McCann, public relations office chairman for the Sweetwater Jaycees, the event buyer hauled in 24,262 pounds of rattlesnake at $10 per pound, which trumps 1982's 17,986 pound mark.

Leah Andrews, the executive director for The Sweetwater and Nolan County Chamber of Commerce, said the event at the Nolan County Coliseum typically gets about 4,000-5,000 pounds of rattlesnake.

"Nobody expected that and that's why we have to build temporary pits in the back," she said. "We had a moist fall and winter, plus the rain. And then (winter) was mild, so there were more mice in the field for them to eat. They were also very heavy snakes."

Snakes were selling at a premium during the 58th annual roundup, which drew many hunters.

"I think a lot of the guys laid off from the oil work were out to supplement their income," Andrews said. "And the Jaycees paid more than the market price. That's why everyone brought their snakes to the Jaycees rather than other places."

But there were so many snakes that's the event reached capacity for buying and hunters looking to sell were sent away on Saturday and Sunday.

"(The buyer) couldn't take anymore snakes, so we had to shut it off," McCann said, adding that the Jaycees provided hunters other roundups they could go to get money for their work.

Usually about every 10 years, there seems to be a spike in rattlesnake population, due to the mild winter. In 2006, the event brought in 13,552 pounds.

"When there's good weather, nobody gets hurt, and there's good turnout at the door, that's a successful roundup for us," McCann said.