Pamber Forest warden's snare warning

According to forest warden Graham Dennis, of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the trap, involving a wire noose, was set in a hole made in a wire deer fence.
Mr Dennis said that the location of the trap was recently shown to him by the owner of a Jack Russell, from Pamber Heath, whose dog became caught in the trap while walking through the forest.
“The Jack Russell’s owner was nearby, so the dog didn’t panic and he was able to release it,” said Mr Dennis.
The trap was handed in to Tadley police, along with 12 squirrel snares discovered in a 50m by 50m area at Inham Copse, after a Pamber Heath villager was bitten while attempting to release a squirrel from a trap.
“They were badly bitten and had to be taken to hospital, but have since recovered,” said Mr Dennis.
“They tried to release the squirrel, but it went off with the snare around its waist.”
Although they were trying to help the grey squirrel, it was a little known fact that releasing grey squirrels was illegal.
He continued: “If you catch one, you are not allowed to release it, they are not native to this country,” adding that the squirrel should have been humanely destroyed.
The squirrel traps were discovered attached to pieces of wood attached to trees, set at about waist to shoulder height:
“The message to the public is if you find any snares, don’t go near them, report them to the police or me and we will come and investigate,” said Mr Dennis.
“Don’t go near any animals in a snare – they are very dangerous.”
Mr Dennis said that the professionally manufactured traps were only legal if set with the permission of the landowner.
“Englefield Estate own the land managed by the trust – who have not given permission for these traps, so they are illegal, as was cutting the deer fences, which is criminal damage,” said Mr Dennis, adding the most likely reason for the traps was in order to eat the animals.
“I’ve been a warden 21 years and never seen squirrel, or deer traps in this forest before – they are brutal,” he said.
Tadley police are investigating the traps.
Anyone with information about the traps should contact Mr Dennis telephone 07770 891126, or Pc Stephen Rogerson at Tadley Police Station on the non emergency number, 101.