EVALUATION OF HIGH TENSILE ELECTRIC FENCE DESIGNS ON BIG GAME MOVEMENTS AND LIVESTOCK CONTAINMENT

This project used infrared activated video to evaluate the effects of 2-, 3-, and 4-wire electric fence designs on elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope movements. In addition, electric fences were tested for their effectiveness at containing cattle and bison. Two-wire fence consisted of a ground wire at 20 in. and a hot wire at 30 in. with fiberglass posts spaced 60 ft apart. Post spacing and the use of stays varied between location for 3-wire designs, but wire spacing of 22, 32, and 42 in. and a hot, ground, hot wire configuration remained constant. Four-wire fence consisted of hot wires at 22, 32, and 52 in. and a ground wire at 42 in. with fiberglass posts spaced approximately every 50 ft. All three wildlife species were physically capable of traversing all three fence designs, however difficulty varied between species and design. Four-wire fences were relatively easy for mule deer and pronghorn to traverse, but were difficult and potentially hazardous for elk to traverse. None of the designs appeared to seriously impede mule deer movements. Electric shock did not appear to be a factor affecting the reaction of elk, mule deer, or pronghorn to electric fences that carried a charge of 0.5-4.5 J. The report provides specific fence design and construction recommendations as well as a construction and maintenance cost comparison between 3-wire electric fence and the Wyoming Department of Transportation, 4-wire Type F barbed fence. Of the designs examined in this study, a 3-wire electric fence is the best design to meet the goals of both livestock producer (cattle and bison) and the wildlife manager.

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/64079
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Wyoming, Laramie

  Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 1000 East University Avenue
  Laramie, WY  United States  82071

  Wyoming Department of Transportation

  5300 Bishop Boulevard
  Cheyenne, WY  United States  82009-3340

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Karhu, R
  • Anderson, S
• Publication Date: 2002-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Pagination: 32 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction and maintenance; Costs; Design; Fences; Livestock; Recommendations; Wildlife
• Uncontrolled Terms: Electric fences; Livestock containment
• Geographic Terms: Wyoming
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Finance; Highways; Research; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00929265
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-WY-02/02F,, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: RS06(200), Job No. A16F
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 22 2002 12:00AM