HIGH TENSILE ELECTRIC FENCE: PHASE 2 - LIABILITY ISSUES, MAINTENANCE COSTS, AND CONTAINMENT OF BISON

Fences are typically built to restrict the movement of livestock and consequently become barriers to wildlife. Research has shown that High Tensile Electric Fence (HTEF) can contain livestock while allowing wildlife to move freely across the fence. Before widespread implementation of HTEF can occur, issues involving the liability and maintenance of HTEF needed to be addressed. Also tested was the effectiveness of 3-Wire HTEF at containing bison. The design stipulated wire spacing of 22, 32, and 42 in. above the ground, 12.5 gauge 170,000 psi tensile strength wire, and 3/4-in. - 1-in. diameter solid fiberglass posts 60 in. long spaced 50 ft apart. Liability associated with HTEF appears to be no greater than the liability incurred with the use of more traditional fence designs. Selection of an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified energizer as well as proper fence maintenance and monitoring limits fence owner liability. Maintenance on the 3-Wire HTEF was minimal. Most of the maintenance issues that occurred were due to improper construction. Once these problems were corrected, the fence functioned effectively at containing livestock and allowing pronghorn to cross with relative ease. Almost 96% of the pronghorn observed interacting with the fence were successful at crossing it. Bison appear to be effectively contained by the 3-Wire HTEF. In four out of five tests there was 100% containment of bison. During the fifth test, six calves crossed through a water gap at the bottom of the fence. This report provides a record of maintenance on the 3-Wire HTEF and associated costs. Also provided is specific information on the design and construction of 3-Wire HTEF.

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/64124
• 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:
  • Quitmeyer, C J
  • Bopp, J A
  • Stephens, R M
  • Karhu, R
  • Anderson, S
• Publication Date: 2004-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 92 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Costs; Design; Fences; Liability; Livestock; Maintenance; Monitoring; Performance; Wildlife
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bison; High tensile electric fence; Pronghorn
• Geographic Terms: Wyoming
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Environment; Finance; Highways; Law; Maintenance and Preservation; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00987663
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-WY-05/01F,, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: RS02(203), Job No. A91B
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 9 2005 12:00AM