How to Make & Use Snares

Snares can catch a variety of animals, including squirrels.

Anyone going on a wilderness adventure should prepare for the chance that they will become lost or stranded. That means packing along survival items, including several lengths of wire that can be used to make snares and catch animals. Snare wire is light, can be packed along easily and can be used to catch animals of many sizes. Having the wire along could be the difference between staying relatively comfortable and running out of food and energy.

Things You'll Need

• Wire

Instructions

1. Cut the wire into 36- to 48-inch sections.

2. Twist one end of the wire around itself to create a small loop. This loops needs to be of sufficient size that the wire can pass through it.

3. Pass the free end of the wire through the small loop.

4. Locate an area with animal activity. Watch for small animals like squirrels or rabbits scurrying about. Otherwise, look for signs like droppings, footprints or well-defined trails.

5. Set the snare along a trail. Secure the free end of the wire around a sturdy object like a tree or stump. Move the small loop along the wire to adjust the size of the larger loop. For small animals like squirrels and rabbits, a 3- to 4-inch loop works well. Eight-inch loops are necessary for larger animals like coyotes and raccoons.

6. Bend the wire so the bottom of the large loop is 3 to 5 inches above the ground.

7. Check your snares at least once per day. In a survival situation, you likely will check them more often.

Tips & Warnings

• 14-gauge wire is good for small animals like rabbits and squirrels. Use 9-gauge or heavier wire for larger animals.

References

• Simple Survival: Good Snares