ALTHOUGH members of Snare Aware travel far and wide to train and assist areas with snare issues, they always have their origin place in mind: Ilanda Wilds in Amanzimtoti.

A member, whose identity cannot be disclosed due to safety concerns, said they recently received a report of a cat being caught in a snare next to a small tributary that feeds into the Amanzimtoti River.

Also read: Help name rescued wild cat

“We were told it was found right across the road from the owners’ property in plain sight, and they weren’t lying. Fortunately, they managed to save their free-roaming pet,” said the member.

A small team sprang into action that weekend and swept the entire block. No other snares were found, but not far from where the snare was removed were tracks of Cape Clawless Otter, leading them to believe that this was the poachers’ intended target.

“The team then headed across the road to the old cycle track area which was clear of snaring activity. But, we realised soon enough that dog poaching has become the poaching method of choice in the area after we ran into some very young boys with hunting dogs tearing through the bush. A quick shout at them had them departing at a rapid rate, again proving that they know that what they are doing is illegal and wrong, however, they continue to try their luck anyway,” said the member.

Another team headed out the following week to an area across the river where, earlier in the year, they found a few snares, a cage trap and a bird trap, all in view of someone’s backyard.

The member said it was not long before another active snare was found in the same location – and then they found a sad sight.

“A snare that had been activated with a clear struggle from what we believe to be a bush pig. Our suspicions were confirmed when we noticed a bush pig bait station standing in open view within the private property. Clearly, this poacher has been using the bait station to attract bush pig towards his property and blocking the paths with snares, making it almost certain an animal will be caught. While having a bait station on their property is not illegal, the snares most certainly are, and should we catch them in the act, we will get the correct authorities involved,” said the member.

Although they are satisfied that they have driven the majority of the snare poaching out, dog poaching remains a major issue.

For more information, to donate or to join missions, visit Snare Aware’s Facebook or Instagram pages. To report poaching activity, contact SAcan WhatsApp on 083 799 1916 or hotline 086 167 2226.

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