Coast KZN

Snares continue to be a major threat to remaining wildlife in the North Coast’s green belt areas. Durban-based organisation, Snare Aware, returned to Sheffield recently to find another 19 snares in their brief sweep. It follows the 11 they found in the area earlier this year, showing the extent to which the problem exists and that snares are still actively being placed.

“Many of the snares found were fresh, and almost all of them were well set up and active. The majority of the snares were located in the bottom of the valleys, near water or wetland areas on well walked game paths,” said Snare Aware.

“A storm water drain with recent porcupine activity was peppered with four snares, leaving the porcupines with little chance. The poachers are so brazen that a few of the snares were only a metre or two off the old roads that criss-cross the greenbelt.”

Snares are a massive problem in KwaZulu-Natal and are an increasing issue on the North Coast. All manner of animals that walk along common trails are at risk, regardless of size, given the snare’s ability to tighten around its victim.

Snare placers will often activate dozens at once to increase the likelihood of a catch, which means some of the animals caught are left to rot before they can be collected.

Many animal welfare organisations on the North Coast, including Monkey Helpline and Sables Creatures, are also active in removing the snares and helping the animals, but there are too many to be monitored fully.

To combat the problem going forward and to educate people who may come across snares, Snare Aware is hosting a public event in conjunction with other organisations in Sheffield later this week.

To find out exact details, visit the Snare Aware Facebook page.