Wildlife

Snare Trapping and Wildlife Welfare

Snare traps cause immense suffering to target and non-target wildlife across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe.

Key Facts

An estimated 250 million snares are set annually in Sub-Saharan Africa
Non-target animals including endangered species are routinely caught in snares
Wire snares cause injuries from cutting into skin and impeding circulation
Animals can take days to die from starvation, blood loss, or predation while snared
Bushmeat snaring has driven multiple wildlife species to local extinction

Welfare Considerations

Animals caught in snares experience progressive pain from wire cutting into tissue over hours or days. Many suffer broken bones from struggle. Those not retrieved die from dehydration, blood loss, or predation while unable to escape. Even animals that escape bear permanent injuries. Snares set for bushmeat often catch everything from antelopes to chimpanzees, with equal suffering regardless of species.

What You Can Do

Donate to snare removal programs in Africa and Asia
Support wildlife ranger programs that patrol and remove snares
Advocate against bushmeat trade that drives snaring
Oppose commercial snare trapping where legal alternatives exist