Left to die… that’s the sad and cruel reality of what happens to most animals caught in snares. Just this week, the Umzumbe Bush Monitors have found more than 30 snares in the rolling hills of Umzumbe. And there are probably more.
The team comprises Ryan Poisson, Ayanda Shozi, Richard Green, Darren Hulley and John Gumede. The search for and disabling of these snares began after an awful odour was detected in the area. Their investigations led them to a dead male buck… and not long afterwards, a second one was discovered caught in a snare.
Richard said his friends are all animal lovers and can’t stand to see an animal die for no reason. The snares, made of wire, rope and cables, are set seemingly everywhere in the bush. However, it appears the poachers seldom, if ever, return to check the snares.
Ryan said the tragedy of snare poaching was that the trapped animal spends days struggling to get out the snare.”It’s usually left to die of hunger, thirst or from its injuries. The animal’s lengthy suffering and ultimately death is unnecessary and unwarranted,” he said.
Ryan feels that those setting the snares could either be bored (as they don’t come back) or are perhaps even mischievous children. Another reason could be that people are becoming increasingly desperate for sources of food due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Whatever the case, every morning the team sweeps the area to check for snares. They plan to create awareness and educate people about this problem and encourage everyone to look after their neighbourhoods and check the bush around their homes regularly.
Anyone wanting advice or help can email umzumbebushmonitors@gmail.com
4 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
1. Make it a family outing and create a fun ‘snare hunting’ game with the children.
2. It’s a great community building initiative, so round up the neighbours, friends and family to keep your suburb snare-free.
3. While out in the bush, take care of the flora and fauna by looking around and removing alien trees, shrubs or weeds.
4. Enjoy being outdoors, and the exercise.
5 WAYS TO FIND SNARES
1. Look for buck spoor and follow the trail.
2. Snares are usually found close to easy access points, in particular bushy outskirts in fairly close proximity to buildings.
3. Don’t take your dogs with you as they might get caught in a snare.
4. Don’t put yourself in danger – wear good shoes and gloves. Carry water and an antihistamine for emergency situations.
5. Take along side-cutters, a knife and a walking stick.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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