146 
SURVIVAL ON LAND AND SEA 
Rabbits and ground squirrels can be caught with a spring pole 
snare (Fig. 50). A light pole about 5 feet long (A) is stuck in 
the ground or a growing sapling can be bent over. Over the 
runway or the entrance of the burrow is placed a bent-over limb 
(B), both ends of which are stuck firmly in the ground. A 
strong cord or light pliable wire is fastened securely to the end 
of the spring pole, the longer end forming a noose and the 
shorter end hanging free (upper left). The free end and the line 
leading to the noose are looped (not tied) into a simple “catch 
loop’* (upper right) on the under side of the bent over limb 
(B). This catch loop holds down the end of the spring pole. 
After the animal’s head goes through the noose the slightest 
pull by his shoulders will release the catch loop thus freeing the 
spring pole and drawing the noose tight. 
