Snares Traps
A snare is a wire noose used to trap animals. They are normally classed as either a self locking snare whic is illegal or a free running snare which is legal. But as we will see, many so called free running snares can easily become self locking snares.
Types of Snare
Dual Purpose Snare - Illegal
This snare is set as self locking. Bizarrely they are still sold, but should only have the wire threaded through the hole on the vertical part of the strut. For more information visit our dual purpose snare page.
AB Snare - Illegal and Legal
This snare is manufacturered by AB Country Products. It was found to be self-locking in its original design, but has recently been modified to make it free-running. However, thousands of the old snares are still in use, so one to examine carefully to see if they lock. Visit our AB snare page for more info.
Self Locking Snare - Illegal
This particular snare is rare in the UK and was probably imported.
Home Made Snare
A home made snare that will either lock up or can be free running. Badgers have escaped from them, but not before scalping themselves.
Kill Pole Snare - Illegal
Although illegal it is difficult to prove it is. This snare is promoted as a Kill Pole snare by some UK snarers on hunting web sites. Apparently the aim is that the fox will get caught and then strangle itself as it gets wrapped around the metal pole in the struggle.
Graphic shown top left:
Dual purpose snare set as self locking. This type of snare is illegal. For more information visit our visit our self locking snare page.
Graphic shown middle left:
Dual purpose snare set as free running. This is legal. For more information visit our free running snare page.
Graphic shown bottom left:
Free running snare (legal).
Look out for snares. See if they are near badger setts, or set illegally. Always carry a camera and make notes of any carnage you see.
Always contact the RSPCA when you suspect an offence and also notify us. Please exercise caution if notifying a Police Wildlife Liaison Officer of an offence. Whilst the majority do an outstanding job, some are heavily into bloodsports themselves. For more information see our law page.
