Oh, protected? Then a Timber Rattler should be -just- fine snaking his way through Texas. Him knowing his rarity will be a real source of pride and will protect him from all harm.
He will be feted by Texans in every town he shows up in. They will throw BBQs and dances in his honor.
Just ask the Comanches how helpful they found government protected status when dealing with Texas.
Just because some do-gooder in Austin call it protected, doesn’t make it have the slightest effect.
Fried rattlesnake.