Wild Ways Wildlife Rescue Guide: This article is part of the Wild Ways Wildlife Rescue Guide series, which provides practical advice on how to respond when wildlife is injured, orphaned, or in distress in South Africa.

What To Do If Wildlife Is Trapped (Netting, Glue Traps, or Snares)

Wildlife can become trapped in many different ways in urban and rural environments. Garden netting, sports nets, fencing, glue traps, and illegal snares can all cause serious injuries and suffering to animals.

Animals caught in traps often panic and struggle, which can tighten the trap and worsen injuries.

Knowing how to respond safely can prevent further harm and give the animal the best chance of survival.

If you are unsure how to respond when wildlife is in distress, you can also read our guide on what to do if you find injured wildlife.

Wildlife Trapped in Netting

Birds, bats, and small mammals frequently become tangled in garden netting, sports nets, and fencing.

When animals panic, the netting can tighten around wings, legs, or necks, causing severe injuries.

If you encounter wildlife trapped in netting:

• Approach calmly and slowly
• Reduce noise and disturbance
• If safe to do so, support the animal’s body before cutting the netting
• Never pull the animal free without cutting the material

Even if the animal appears to recover after being freed, injuries may not be immediately visible. Always contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre for advice.

Wildlife Caught in Glue Traps

Glue traps are extremely cruel devices designed to immobilise animals using strong adhesive surfaces. Wildlife caught in glue traps can suffer prolonged stress, injuries, dehydration, and starvation.

Birds, bats, reptiles, and small mammals are frequently caught unintentionally.

If wildlife becomes stuck in a glue trap:

• Do not pull the animal off the surface
• Cover the animal gently with cloth to reduce stress
• Place the trap inside a box for safe transport
• Contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre immediately

Glue traps cause severe suffering and should be reported to the SPCA.

Animals Caught in Snares

Snares are wire traps designed to capture animals by tightening around the body or neck. They are often used illegally and cause immense suffering to wildlife.

Animals caught in snares may struggle for hours or days, causing deep wounds, broken bones, or strangulation.

If you encounter an animal trapped in a snare:

• Keep a safe distance from the animal
• Do not attempt to release the animal
• If you can, cover the animal's head with a cloth to reduce stress
• Contact wildlife authorities or a permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre immediately

Stress Can Kill Wildlife

Wild animals caught in traps experience extreme fear and stress. Loud noises, crowds, and excessive handling can worsen the situation.

The best approach is to keep the environment calm and allow trained professionals to handle the rescue.

Learn Wildlife Rescue the Right Way

If you want to help wildlife safely and confidently, learning the correct response techniques is essential.

The Wildlife First Responder Training course teaches practical wildlife rescue skills including how to safely assist trapped wildlife, reduce stress, and transport animals to permitted wildlife rehabilitation centres.