Bradford-based Yorkshire Water is facing growing calls to stop leasing moorland across the region for grouse shooting following discovery of ‘jaw-like’ traps on its upland estate. Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshire’s Moors (BBYM) uncovered the contraptions, which are controversially deployed to kill native wildlife so as to preserve game birds for shooting parties, during June. Over a dozen fenn traps targeting stoats and weasels were discovered by BBYM set on Stanbury Moor (photos here). Mustelids take at least two minutes to die from the bone-crushing impact of the devices, resulting in prolonged suffering. A non-target bird species was found to have been captured in at least one device on Stanbury. Larsen and clam traps targeting magpies, crows and other corvids were found on Haworth and Keighley Moor (photos here). These contraptions are baited with a wild-caught live bird to entice others in, causing many of these intelligent animals to exhibit captivity-induced stereotypic behaviour as a consequence of the distress caused. In the case of clamp traps birds may be left incarcerated for many hours without food, water or shelter. Corvids are ultimately killed through being clubbed over the back of the head. Last month Bradford Council ended its grouse shooting lease of Ilkley Moor following a sustained campaign by BBYM. Over 3,000 people have now signed a petition calling on Yorkshire Water to follow the local authority’s example. Want to help wildlife? Please sign and share our petition urging Yorkshire Water to drop grouse shooting: www.bit.ly/YorkshireWater