Nasty tiger traps in India



A tiger trap

Tiger traps are usually used to kill or hurt the tigers without damaging their extraordinary fur. This way the poachers get its fur intact. But traps aren’t good for the tigers. They hurt them and give them lots of pain.

Here is a bit you have to know on tiger snares.

Leg hold snares

These leg hold snares are wonderful for the poachers. They are cheap, simple and highly effective.  

A team of hunters can set 60 or more snares per day. This way they can cover maximum region, and that gives them more chance to catch the tigers. And the good thing for the poachers is that these traps aren't  expensive.

A tiger trap that has been found



Before setting the snares there often is a scouting trip. This is so that the poachers know where they have to set the snares. The poachers look for signs like tracks. There also choose the regions where there are lots of tiger prey.

But how is a tiger trap made?

 It often takes a day to set all the snares. A small pit is dug for each snare. Then it is covered with leaves, sticks and debris, this is to hide it. A small and supple tree or tree branch near the snare is needed to act as the spring. Then the poachers put a small log or branch in front of the snare.

But how does this snare work?

Well, the tiger has to step over the log and into the loop of the wire snare. This will trigger the tree spring and tighten the noose round its foot.



A tiger killed by a trap



Neck and Body snares

To make these snares you need two sticks of 130 cm long. They are erected 60 cm apart.

Then a snare is made using steel wires. Then it is placed between the two sticks and the end is attached to a tree that is young, flexible but yet strong.

But how does a tiger get trapped in these snares?

A tiger walking on the path will push the wire releasing the trigger. The tree will get back to its straight position, and this will draw the snare tight around the poor tiger’s body or neck.

Pit traps

A tiger trap that is getting set

Making pit traps is most of the time not used in hunting tigers. One reason for this is that to make a pit trap it is cheap, but it needs lots of labour. It also takes lots of time to dig a pit trap. And you can't digg as many pits, so lass chance to catch a tiger. Another thing is that the poachers have more chance to be caught while digging the traps.

Horrible, isn’t it. Traps really aren’t fun for the tigers.