Two badger snares seized by Cornwall wildlife police

it is believed the snares would have been used to capture the animals alive for baiting, police said

Two illegal snares have been seized next to a badger sett entrance, by police in west Cornwall.

A wildlife crime officer for Devon and Cornwall Police reported finding the snares on Thursday night.

Each of the snares had been fitted with two large fishing hooks, the officer said.

The force said it was believed the illegal snares and hooks were likely to be used to "capture live animals for baiting".

Badgers are protected under UK law, and also under the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.