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A Collaborative Fight For Our Wildlife

An Ongoing Partnership

The fight against illegal snaring in our community was passionately spearheaded by the original **Snare Aware group**. Their dedication and tireless efforts laid the groundwork for a safer environment for our local wildlife. Recognizing the critical importance of this initiative, the Pennington Conservancy has now taken the lead to expand and formalize the program.

We are proud to continue this vital work hand-in-hand with the original Snare Aware members, who still join us on our regular **Anti-Snare Patrols**. This partnership combines experience with community resources, strengthening our collective resolve to protect our precious natural heritage.

A team of volunteers walking through a green belt during a snare sweep.

Our teams are dedicated to keeping Pennington's green belts safe.

The Threat & Our Mission

What is a Snare?

A snare is a simple wire or cable loop, anchored to a tree or post and positioned on an animal path. It is a cruel and brutally indiscriminate trap. As an animal walks through, the loop tightens around its neck, leg, or body. There is no escape; the more the animal struggles, the tighter the noose becomes.

The Devastating Impact

Snares cause unimaginable suffering. Animals are not killed instantly; they die slowly and agonizingly over days from strangulation, dehydration, starvation, or injuries sustained while struggling. Because snares are indiscriminate, they pose a threat to all our wildlife—from our beloved Bushbuck and Duiker to smaller creatures like Mongoose, and even resident pets.

Our Goal: A Snare-Free Pennington

Our mission is absolute: to completely rid Pennington of any and all snares. Through regular and systematic **Snare Sweeps**, our dedicated teams patrol the green belts, riverine forests, and coastal bush, meticulously searching for and removing these silent killers before they can claim another victim.

How You Can Help & Report a Snare

Your Eyes are Our Greatest Asset

While our teams conduct regular patrols, we cannot be everywhere at once. Alert residents are our first line of defense. If you are walking in any of Pennington's beautiful green spaces and see something suspicious, you could help save an animal's life.

If you find a suspected snare, please follow the guidelines in the next section. The most important rule is to report it immediately.

Our patrols cover all green belts within the Pennington area.

Found a Snare? Follow These Steps

Your safety and the successful removal of the snare are paramount.

  • DO NOT TOUCH OR REMOVE IT. Snares can be dangerous, and moving them can compromise evidence or alert poachers that the area is being monitored.
  • Note the Exact Location. Use your phone's GPS to drop a pin, or note very specific landmarks. "On the path behind the 5th house on X street" is very helpful.
  • Take a Photo from a Distance. A picture of the snare and its immediate surroundings helps our team locate it quickly.
  • Report It Immediately. Contact the Pennington Conservancy with the location details and photo. This allows our trained team members to respond safely and effectively.