Types of Snares
Animal snares are wire nooses used to trap animals. They are normally classed as either a self locking snares which is illegal or a free running snares which is legal. But as we will see, many so called free running snares can easily become self locking snares, including the Code Compliant Snare with Breakaway.
DB Snare – Code Compliant Snare with Breakaway
This much-touted fox snare, designed by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, claims to allow smaller non-target species to escape and features a Relax-A-Lock. From more information visit our DB snare page.
Breakaway Snare
The DB Snare is by far the most popular Breakaway fox snare, however there are a variety of similar designs, such as the Glen Waters Breakaway Snare. These are usually based on US snare designs but are not commonly used.
AB Snare
This fox snare is manufactured by AB Country Products. It was found to be self-locking in its original design, but has been modified to make it free-running. However, thousands of the old snares are still in use, so one to examine carefully to see if they lock. Visit our AB snare page for more info.
Dual Purpose Snare
This fox snare, as pictured left, is set as self locking. They are still sold, but should only have the wire threaded through the hole on the vertical part of the strut. For more information visit our dual purpose snare page.
Self Locking Snare
This fox snare is particular rare in the UK and was probably imported. The use of self-locking snares is prohibited under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. However many are still in use today.
Home Made Snare
A home made snare that will either lock up or can be free running. Badgers have escaped from them, but not before scalping themselves. Many rabbit snares are home made and range in injury they caused to the trapped animal.
Kill Pole Snare
Although illegal it is difficult to prove it is. This fox snare is promoted as a Kill Pole Snare by some UK snarers on hunting websites. Apparently the aim is that the fox will get caught and then strangle itself as it gets wrapped around the metal pole in the struggle.
Rabbit Snare
Are usually made from stranded brass wire fitted with either wire tealers or natural tealers (nylon cord, etc).