Wired for wildlife:
deer-friendly fences
By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News
Editor's note: The December issue of the North Forty News
addressed some of the issues surrounding Colorado's status as a
"fence-out" state. For rural residents who wish to keep cattle
out of their yards, this follow-up article offers some suggestions for
building wildlife-friendly fences.
It's one of those pleasing pictures in the rural landscape: several
deer, contrasted with the white snow of winter, serenely jumping over a
fence to find better fodder.
It's pleasing except when one of the animals gets caught in a strand
of fencing wire. Unfortunately, said Division of Wildlife officer Jim
Jackson, this happens all too often, and the animal can lose its life in
the process. The danger of entanglement is especially high during the
stressful winter season.
According to the DOW, fences can contribute significantly to the
mortality of elk and deer, since they act as a barrier to daily movement
and seasonal migration. Fences also deter young animals from migrating,
making them more vulnerable to predation and road kill.
Both ranchers and rural owners of small parcels must often build
fences to keep out unwanted cattle or to keep their own livestock on
their property. That's why the DOW is trying to educate fence builders
on designs that create a win-win situation, minimizing fence repairs for
the landowner and lessening the impact on wildlife.
A DOW pamphlet, "Fencing with Wildlife in Mind," gives
examples of fences that are in and fences that are out as far as
wildlife is concerned. The brochure offers detailed illustrations of
low-impact fences and gates, all of which have been field-tested.
The following are a few fencing ideas to consider:
- Tautness, the height of the fence and spacing of the top two wires
are most important when it comes to wildlife. The fence should be
less than 42 inches high, with at least 12-inch spacing between the
top two wires. Since deer and elk jump with their hind legs forward,
they can get hung up if the top strands are loose or too close
together.
- Young deer and elk tend to go under fences. Therefore, the lowest
strand should be at least 16 inches off the ground.
- Antelope also go under fences. A bottom wire at least 16 to 18
inches off the ground will generally work, and it's best to have the
bottom wire smooth. With electric fences, the bottom wire should be
grounded.
- A new fence should be flagged. This will protect the fence until
wildlife become accustomed to the new barrier.
- Rail fencing presents special problems for wildlife. Suggestions
for minimizing these effects are provided in the brochure.
When winter snows are deep, fencing modifications can help both
wildlife and the landowner. These include swing-back, lay-down and
adjustable fences as well as special pass structures. All are described
in the DOW brochure.
"Fencing with Wildlife in Mind" is available at no charge.
For a copy, call Steve Porter at the Fort Collins DOW office, 472-4341.
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