July 2024 - 29

WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY FENCE
Many styles of fencing can be adjusted to wildlife-friendly
options that meet the varied needs of
landowners. Typically, a wildlife-friendly fence should
be low enough for ungulates to jump - preferably 38 or
40 inches or less with a maximum height of 42 inches.
The top two wires of a fence should be at a minimum of
10 inches apart with the preference of 12 inches apart
or more. This helps prevent an animal's back foot from
getting caught during a leap. The bottom wire should be
high enough for animals like pronghorn or fawns who
prefer to crawl underneath the fence. The bottom wire
should be a minimum of 16 inches from the ground, but
18 inches is preferred. In addition, the top wire should
be clearly visible to wildlife.
These recommendations can be tailored to suit specific
needs and terrain. Landowners can make adjustments
based on their own needs while ensuring the best outcomes
for both their land and wildlife.
smooth
Increase the visibility with PVC cover,
high-visibility wire, flagging or a top rail.
smooth
barbed
barbed
The friendliest fences are very visible
and allow wild animals to easily jump
over or slip under the wires or rails.
12 "
38-40 " preferred
(42 " maximum)
18 " preferred
(16 " minimum)
One of these initiatives is The Upper Green Fence
Initiative. This cooperative effort between Game
and Fish, Sublette County Conservation District
and the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
along with other federal agencies and nongovernmental
organizations, has modified or removed
more than 700 miles of fencing in Sublette County
since 2012.
" Landowner participation has been the cornerstone
of the growth and success of the program, "
Fieseler said. " We wouldn't be where we are today
without them. "
The fencing conversions in this area will facilitate
wildlife movements in crucial migratory habitats for
the Wyoming Range mule deer, Sublette mule deer
and Sublette pronghorn herds. These herds suffered
significant losses during the winter of 2022-23
due to severe weather and pneumonia outbreaks.
Currently, abundant funding resources are available
to those seeking to modify existing fences
to more wildlife-friendly options. The Natural
Resources Conservation Service can help cover the
costs for landowners through the Migratory Big
Game Initiative, provided the modified fence meets
wildlife-friendly specifications. The Game and Fish
Movement Matters Team has established a goal of
implementing 100 percent wildlife-friendly fencing
on department-managed lands, where appropriate,
by 2033. Fence modification and removal continue
to be a priority for the Game and Fish to maximize
habitat connectivity and wildlife movement.
- Regina Dickson is the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's
information and education specialist in the Green
River Region.
Scan the QR code to view A
Landowner's Guide to Fencing
and Wildlife and for more
information about resources
for wildlife-friendly fencing.
Landowners seeking additional resources
for these kinds of fencing projects are also
encouraged to reach out to their local Game
and Fish, National Resources Conservation
Services or Conservation District offices.
Wyoming Wildlife | 29
https://www.wlfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Wyo_FenceGuide.pdf?utm_source=WYOMINGWILDLIFE&utm_medium=PRINT&utm_campaign=JULY2024ISSUE
July 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2024
