An announcement that could see Scotland become the first part of the UK to ban the use of animal snares is expected from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government has decided against a ban on animal snares.
Campaigners have called for the ban on manufacturing, selling and using the wire traps.
Environment Minister Mike Russell said alternatives to the wire traps were not always suitable, and an effective form of predator control was vital.
Advocates for Animals said snares have caught and killed protected species like badgers and otters, and also pets.
However, the Scottish Government said that there would be a clampdown on their use and interfering with them may become a criminal offence.
Countryside groups have defended their use as being a "vital tool for land management".
Campaigners have been calling for a ban on the manufacture, sale and use of animal snares.
Environment Minister Michael Russell is due to make an announcement in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.
Mr Russell told the Scottish Parliament that strong arguments had been put forward on both sides of the debate.
Advocates for Animals and the League Against Cruel Sports have led the campaign to have them banned, backed by a number of high-profile figures.
But he said the control of animals, such as foxes, through snares helped maintain Scotland's world-famous £240m shooting industry, boost conservation and biodiversity projects and helped farmers protect their animals.
Tightening of regulations or introducing a licensing system is not going to address animal suffering Libby AndersonAdvocated for Animals
Showbiz figures
They include Queen guitarist Brian May, actresses Joanna Lumley and Annette Crosby, and UN Messenger of Peace and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall.
Welfare group, Advocates for Animals, has maintained that snares have caught and killed protected species like badgers and otters, and pets.
Advocates for Animals political director Libby Anderson, said: "It is crucial that public opinion prevails and the government makes the right decision and bans the use of snares in Scotland.
Mr Russell announced a series of measures on the use of snares, such as the compulsory fitting of safety stops, ID tags and marking areas where snaring takes place with signs.
"Tightening of regulations or introducing a licensing system is not going to address animal suffering, or stop the accidental capture of protected species and people's pets, which is inevitable with these indiscriminate traps."
He added: "By implementing this package, Scotland will have established the best possible practice in terms of animal welfare, while allowing effective land management to continue with all the economic and conservation benefits that accrue."
In a letter to Mr Russell, Ms Goodall said: "The practice of snaring is primitive and cruel and surely no human interest can justify the suffering which these traps inflict on animals, both wild and domesticated."
The campaign to ban snares has also been led by the League Against Cruel Sports, backed by high-profile figures including Queen guitarist Brian May, actresses Joanna Lumley and Annette Crosby, and UN Messenger of Peace and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall.
'Pragmatic view'
A wide range of rural organisations - including the Scottish Countryside Alliance - has previously said the best way forward would be to have a strict industry code of practice, enforced to ensure that snares are used responsibly.
Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, said: "We appreciate that the minister has come under serious pressure from some organisations for an outright ban on their use.
"However, these organisations have highlighted misuse of snares by poachers and by amateurs on urban fringes to make their case.
"We hope he will take a pragmatic view, and allow properly trained professionals to continue operating under conditions that help all our wildlife in Scotland."
