Unidentified traps on Titirangi

Leg hold traps used for catching possums have been retrieved by Council biosecurity officers from sites on Titirangi Reserve.

Whaia Titirangi cadets working on the maunga found a possum caught in a leg hold trap last week.

Biosecurity officers were called to euthanise the injured and distressed animal, and carried out a further check of the area, recovering another 14 traps below the Cook monument on the portside and below the top carpark.

“Laying traps in a public area such as Titirangi puts the welfare of public users, children and pets at risk,” says biosecurity team leader, Phil Karaitiana.

“Some person has laid these traps without Council permission and also failed to check and remove captured animals within 12 hours of sunrise.”

Our main concern is the safety of our Whaia Titirangi team, contractors and volunteers who are working in these areas daily.

We would like to reinforce that setting traps like these is not permitted on Titirangi Reserve.

If anyone has any information about the traps, please contact us.

ENDS

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