The rattlesnake you helped to eat is a protected species in North Carolina. If a Federal or State Wildlife officer had seen all of you eating it, all would have been given misdemeanor citations. Its a Class 1 midsemeanor so you would have to appear before a judge, he would have a great deal of lattitude in doling out the punishment including a large fine and/or imprisonment. The cost of court alone is now approaching $200.00 and this would be in addition to any other fine or punishment. Bon appetite!