Every year, thousands of big game animals and birds die of injuries caused by fences. However, as a new Colorado Division of Wildlife publication explains, it is possible to build effective fences that meet the needs of landowners and that minimize harm to wildlife.
The new publication, “Fencing with Wildlife in Mind,” explains how to build a variety of wildlife-friendly fences. It also includes instructions on how to construct enclosures around areas to exclude wildlife. When properly built, fences can allow wildlife to move through an area, both in their normal daily movements and in seasonal migration patterns.
The information offered by the publication is based on long-term research and observations by wildlife officers and biologists. In addition, private landowners provided suggestions and designs that they employ on their properties.
“Fences are major investments for landowners,” said Pat Tucker, coordinator of the Habitat Partnership Program for the DOW. “This publication isn’t the final word on fencing but it does show real life examples of fence designs that work for both landowners and wildlife.”
A research study of 600 miles of fence line conducted by Utah State University examined carcasses of animals found hanging in the fences, dead animals next to fences, and different types of fences. Here are some of the key findings:
– woven-wire fences topped with a single-strand of barbed wire were most lethal to wildlife;
– one big game animal was found tangled for every 2.5 miles of fence;
– one animal was found dead next to fences every 1.2 miles;
– most animals died by getting caught in the top two wires while trying to jump;
– 70 percent of all mortalities were on fences higher than 40 inches;
– young animals are eight times more likely to die in fences than adult animals;
– 90 percent of the carcasses found near fences were of young animals that had been separated from their mothers.
Click here for the new DOW publication, “Fencing with Wildlife in Mind”
Teklanika Nature Photography 