As part of a large-scale cleanup last month, rangers in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area removed over 60 makeshift snake traps, which show evidence of a wildlife poaching operation, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The plywood boards and sheets used to trap snakes and other cold-blooded creatures were found throughout a square-mile area of Decker Canyon. According to the article, poachers use the objects to cover up small holes and buckets in the ground. Their shade attracts animals on hot days, but when the animals crawl underneath the objects, they fall into the holes and cannot escape. They are then collected and sold.
California kingsnakes, rosy boas and rattlesnakes are major targets of such poaching operations.
All plants and animals on national parkland — endangered or not — are protected under law. While no arrests have been made in the Decker Canyon case, investigations from the discovery did lead to an arrest elsewhere.
Park officials advise park visitors who come across such boards or carpeting to leave the objects alone and call the park dispatch at 661.723.3620 because animals could be inside.