17 snares removed in part of Dana Bay
Members of the Dana Bay Conservancy had their first “snare walk” on Wednesday, 17 April, with more than 30 participants scouring a specific area for snares and traps.
Leon Rossouw from the Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) in Mossel Bay, led the team of members of the Dana Bay Conservancy, residents, local law enforcement and the K9 unit.
During the operation of about two hours, 17 snares were tagged, pinpointed, dismantled and removed in the area behind the OK Mini Market in Dana Bay.
According to Erika van der Westhuizen, chairperson of the Dana Bay Conservancy, the operation was a huge success. “Each snare removed will save an animal from suffering or death.”
It is believed that poachers use the animals for food or for medicinal purposes (muti).
Join the walks
To join the walks, there is no charge, but a donation will go to a fund for veterinary services to assist when an animal is caught in a snare.
Participants should bring a hat, sturdy shoes, and preferably wear long pants as the grass is normally wet. You need a cellphone, wire cutters or pliers, gloves and a pen to write on the tags. Water will be provided, but you can bring extra water.
Tips
Take at least three photos of the snare found, using different angles. Pinpoint the location of the snare found. Record or write down the information about the area where the snare was found.
Record or write down what material the snare was made of.
Tag each snare found, write your name and cell number on the tag (tags will be provided for Dana Bay snare walks).
Remove the snare.
Send the information on a WhatsApp to
Anti Snare Walk (079 643 9556). When you find a live animal in a snare.
Try to take a photo of the injured animal from a distance, record the location and move out of the area.
Call a vet to assist.
Signs to help find a snare
Snares can be made with anything from rope and wire to cable or nylon that cuts into the skin of animals.
Cages are also used for traps. Pieces of plastic are tied to trees for a reason and can be a sign that a snare or a trap is in the area, or they are used to mark a wild trail that is frequently used by wild animals.
Look for animal tracks. To find a snare or trap, you must think like a poacher. Think how and where you would set a snare or trap if you were the poacher. This will help you to find a snare set by a poacher in a specific area.
To join the snare walks in Dana Bay, contact Erika van der Westhuizen (083 708 9235 or email danabaai.conservancy@gmail. com).