Illegal snares that the Wareham Department of Natural Resources described as “torturous” were removed from trails on Jan. 18.

Officials said the snares were found in a posted no hunting area. A baiting station was found nearby. 

According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, the site had not been active for some time and the snares were not set. All snares that could be located were removed. Officials said had a strong warning for anyone setting illegal snares. 

“This form of trapping is not allowed in Massachusetts and is a indiscriminate, torturous form of trapping that can lead to significant injuries or a slow painful death of wild or domestic animal,” according to the post.

Anyone who may have located illegal hunting gear should call the Wareham Department of Natural Resources at 508-291-3100 ext. 3180 or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 800-632-8075.