Pennington Conservancy Logo - Protecting KZN South Coast Nature

Snare Aware & Anti-Poaching

A Collaborative Fight For Our Wildlife

The fight against illegal snaring in our community was passionately spearheaded by the original Snare Aware group. Their dedication 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 the program. We are proud to continue this vital work hand-in-hand with the original Snare Aware members, who join us on regular Anti-Snare Patrols in our green belts and coastal forests.

Volunteers conducting a snare sweep in Pennington bush

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 and positioned on an animal path. It is a cruel, indiscriminate trap. As an animal walks through, the loop tightens. There is no escape; the more the animal struggles, the tighter the noose becomes.

The Devastating Impact

Snares cause unimaginable suffering. Animals often die slowly from strangulation or dehydration. Because snares are indiscriminate, they threaten all wildlife—from Bushbuck and Duiker to Mongoose, and even domestic pets.

Our Goal: Zero Snares

Our mission is absolute: to completely rid Pennington of snares. Through systematic Snare Sweeps, our teams patrol the riverine forests and coastal bush, removing these silent killers before they can claim another victim.

How to Help & Report Poaching

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 below. 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 Location. Use your phone's GPS (Google Maps pin) or note specific landmarks (e.g., "Behind the 5th house on Cherry Lane").
  • Take a Photo. A picture of the snare and its immediate surroundings helps our team locate it quickly.
  • Report Immediately. Contact the Pennington Conservancy. This allows our trained team members to respond safely and effectively.