Wildlife Friendly Fencing

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Making way for migrating wildife.

Each spring, mule deer make the 150 miles trek from the Red Desert northeast of Rock Springs to the Hoback Basin. In the higher, cooler elevations, they feed on growing vegetation while the does give birth to fawns in the aspen groves. Come fall, they head back to milder climates. Pronghorn antelope also migrate up from the Green River Basin to take advantage of the lush mountain vegetation.

THE PROBLEM

Traditional fencing impedes migrating wildlife.

Fences may block their access to water, food, and other resources. Wildlife can snag their legs or antlers in fences, leading to injuries or sometimes death. Certain fence designs can be easily passed by adults, but not by their young, leading to abandonment and death of fawns. While we see fences well, a bird in flight often can’t react in time to avoid them. For sage grouse, collisions with fences are a major cause of death.

THE SOLUTION

Replace current fencing with wildlife-friendly fencing.

We aim to partner with WGFD to develop a seasonal position that complements the Upper Green Fence Initiative, focusing on areas where fence conversions are needed most, including the Hoback Basin and the Red Desert. This partnership will result in fence inventory and future conversion and/or removal of problematic fences on both private and public lands throughout the Upper Green Fence Initiative area.
RESOURCES
PARTNERS
Wyoming Game and Fish
Up Next: Hummingbird Migration →
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