Trapping seasons are open across Canada and that means an increase in the number of baited snares – potentially alongside popular hiking trails for dog walkers.
The snare, though simple in design, causes immense suffering to any animal who encounters one. A wire loop is placed along a traveling path where the animal will walk through it. The snare tightens as the animal tries to free themselves, resulting in restraint, or death by slow strangulation. Some animals struggle long enough for the snare to make it difficult to breathe, but not long enough to be killed. Click here to learn more about snares and other traps legally used in Canada.
Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and your pets safe from snare traps this winter:
1 Keep dogs leashed. Allowing dogs to run and exercise is important to their health; but in areas where trapping may be occurring, off-leash dogs may fall victim to snare or other traps. Snares are often set to catch canids like foxes and coyotes and can be baited. This means a dog may follow their nose to a tasty snack, only to be violently injured or even killed. Keeping dogs leashed or in locally approved off-leash areas can save lives.
2 Find out if active trapping is occurring. If you have a trail or remote road you enjoy walking along, contact your local fish and wildlife or natural resources department to inquire about registered trapping taking place in the area. This can help you make informed choices to keep safe.
Photo by smrm1977 / Getty Images
3 Carry a pet emergency kit. Taking a small first aid kit for pets on your walks or while travelling can help you deal with a crisis if one should arise; we encourage you to add a small pair of wire cutters or pliers to assist in releasing traps if needed.
4 Learn how to release pets from traps. The Fur-Bearers produced a high-quality video showing you how to release three common types of traps, including snares. You can watch the video specific on snares above or by clicking here, or see the whole video by clicking here.
5 Talk to your friends and family about commercial and recreational trapping. A significant hazard is the belief that trapping only takes place in remote areas; many cases of pets being injured or killed have occurred on popular hiking trails, adjacent to properties, and alongside roadways. Sharing this article is a great way to showcase the upsetting trend of pets being caught in traps in British Columbia while helping prepare them to save lives should the need arise.
We at The Fur-Bearers deeply appreciate your support as we continue to work to protect wildlife and pets from commercial and recreational trapping in Canada.
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