A large number of trap guns have been set up in the Wasgamuwa, Sigirya and Kahlla-Pallekele sanctuaries in the Matale District, residents complained.
They said that they cannot venture into the jungle even in an emergency as trap guns have been set up everywhere.
Poachers are setting trap guns to kill wild animals that come in search of water in the dry weather, they said.
Hotels in the area buy meat of the wild animals at high prices and a large number of local tourists visit them daily for this reason, they said.
Lodge owners have hired poachers to kill the animals .They sell game meat at Rs.1,000 at kilo, the residents said.