Abstract: An animal snare includes an elongated barrel and first and second carriages slidably supported on the barrel. The first and second carriages are interconnected by a cord. A snare extends out the first end of the barrel and has at least one end affixed to the second carriage. An elastic member is releasably connected to the first carriage and is configured to bias the first carriage toward a fired position. The elastic member is in tension when the first carriage is in a cocked position. A trigger assembly is configured to retain the first carriage in the cocked position against the tension of the elastic member. Actuation of the trigger assembly causes release of the first carriage and permits the first carriage to travel along the barrel toward the first end to the fired position as the tension in the elastic member is released to draw the snare.