Fox Traps Black Mountain Raise Serious Concern
Wildlife conservationists have raised alarm after discovering cruel fox traps on Black Mountain in Belfast. The makeshift traps, built from old shopping trolleys, were found hidden on privately-owned land overlooking the city.
Aaron Kelly, founder of the Black Mountain Rewilding Project, described his heartbreak upon finding the devices. One trap had been baited with a dead magpie, designed to slam shut and capture any animal that entered.
Kelly suspects hunters set the traps to capture foxes alive, potentially to use them for training young hunting dogs. “What a terrible way to go, and I don’t know what sort of person could do that,” he said.
Why Fox Traps on Black Mountain Are a Threat to Wildlife
Aaron Kelly launched the Black Mountain Rewilding Project during the first Covid lockdown five years ago. The initiative, which began with weekly litter picks, has since transformed the area by planting trees, increasing woodland cover, and encouraging wildlife to return.
One notable success was attracting a barn owl back to the Belfast hills by installing nesting boxes. “This mountain is the last wild place in Belfast,” Kelly explained. “All our work is aimed at making it a better, safer place for wildlife.”
The fox traps were discovered just a short distance apart while Kelly was patrolling the lower slopes. “I was hoping to find something positive that day, but instead I found cruelty,” he recalled.
Inhumane Snares Endanger Multiple Species
Kelly fears that foxes were the primary targets, but other animals—such as badgers, hedgehogs, birds, and even domestic pets—are at risk. The traps have since been removed with the help of a local landowner, and cameras have been installed to monitor the area for any future illegal activity.
He recently shared images of the traps on social media, urging an end to such cruel practices. “Killing an animal is one thing, but leaving it to suffer in pain and fear is something else entirely,” he wrote.
Belfast Hills Partnership Condemns Wildlife Crime
Jo Boylan, operations manager for the Belfast Hills Partnership, strongly condemned the discovery. “Snares are banned and completely inhumane,” she said. “Unfortunately, wildlife crimes like this still happen across the hills.”
The Belfast Hills Partnership manages around 5,500 hectares of high ground, including Black Mountain, and works to combat illegal activities such as badger baiting, fly-tipping, and deliberate wildfires.
Pinpointing Wildlife Crime Hotspots
To better protect the hills, the partnership collaborates with landowners and local groups to record and map criminal incidents. “The more data we have, the better we can protect the hills for the future,” Boylan explained.
She praised Aaron Kelly for his dedication to wildlife protection. “Aaron was one of our youth rangers. He’s incredibly passionate about the mountain and the community.”
