Wildlife Snare Removal: Protecting Animals from Indiscriminate Trapping

Wire snares cause severe suffering in target and non-target wildlife; snare removal programs protect animal populations from indiscriminate, painful entrapment.

Key Facts

Snares are wire loops designed to catch wildlife by the neck or leg, causing strangulation, limb injury, or prolonged capture stress
Non-target bycatch in snare programs is substantial — protected species including leopards and cheetahs are regularly caught
Snare removal programs in African parks have removed millions of snares and restored wildlife populations significantly
Animals caught in snares experience distress for hours or days before death, discovery, or escape
Commercial bushmeat snaring is the leading threat to large mammal populations in many Central and West African forests
Community ranger programs that combine snare removal with alternative livelihood support are the most effective approach

Welfare Considerations

Snaring causes some of the most prolonged and severe suffering in wildlife welfare — animals caught struggle for hours or days, suffering strangulation, limb damage, and extreme fear before death or rescue. The indiscriminate nature of wire snares means protected species are regularly captured alongside intended targets. Snare removal programs that employ local rangers, combine with community engagement, and address the livelihood drivers of snaring are among the most cost-effective wildlife welfare interventions available. Supporting these programs directly reduces acute animal suffering at scale.

What You Can Do

Donate to African Wildlife Foundation, Space for Giants, or Lion Landscapes, which run snare removal programs
Support alternative livelihood programs that reduce community dependence on bushmeat snaring
Advocate for stronger enforcement of snaring prohibitions in wildlife protection areas
Raise awareness of snaring impacts among wildlife-interested communities and safari tourism operators