Cruel poaching tools have no place in the forest

Poaching using so-called "silent hunting" devices – snares and various homemade contraptions for illegal, weaponless hunting of wild animals – is the most heinous of all. This type of illegal hunting is considered the most cruel, as animals caught in such traps die long and agonizing deaths. With the establishment of a stable snow cover in the forest, so-called "snare poachers" become active, setting prohibited hunting devices on wild animal trails, in feeding areas, and sometimes even laying out bait themselves to lure animals to their traps. A snare is an illegal hunting device, typically made from a metal cable, wire, or rope. Its principle of operation is based on restraining and strangling the animal caught in it. When caught in a snare, the animal instinctively continues to move forward, thereby tightening it and dying in agony. All those unfortunate enough to fall into the deadly trap become victims. These can include pregnant females, young animals, endangered species, and even domestic animals, including hunting dogs. Law-abiding hunters have an extremely negative attitude towards "snare setters," as they understand that an animal caught in a poacher's snare could have been legally hunted, and a female could have given birth and increased the population of game animals. Therefore, a law-abiding hunter will not pass by snares but will certainly disable the poacher's trap and report the find to the local game warden or state inspector. A significant number of illegal "silent hunting" devices are confiscated from poachers annually – these are mainly snares.

The Verkhnedvinsk Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora reminds that illegal hunting (without proper authorization, or in prohibited areas, or during prohibited times, or with prohibited devices, or by prohibited methods, or during prohibited periods) entails administrative (a fine of up to 30 base units with or without confiscation of hunting devices and deprivation of special rights), criminal (a fine, imprisonment for up to 6 years with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities), and civil liability (compensation for damage caused to the environment).

We earnestly ask all concerned citizens to report any violations of environmental legislation!

For additional information or on facts of poaching, please contact the Verkhnedvinsk Inter-district Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora at the following address: Verkhnedvinsk, Sovetskaya St. 193/2, or by calling the hotline at 6 17 23.