Buck-and-Pole Fence Crossings by 4 Ungulate Species

Scott, M

"In 1988 and 1989, I studied the abilities of mule deer, pronghorns, bison, and elk to cross a 3.8-km buck-and-pole fence that was built on part of the northern border of Yellowstone National Park (USA). No animal jumped the fence. Mule deer were most successful at crossing through intact fence, followed by pronghorns, bison, and elk. Rate of gate use by ungulate species was nearly the reverse of intact-fence crossing success rate. Except for bison, the overall total successful fence crossing rate was about 87-91%. Closure of all gates in a fence of the size studied would virtually stop all crossings by elk and bison. If gates cannot be left open, elk may jump buck-and-pole fences if the top 1 or 2 rails are removed (leaving a maximum height of about 1 m), or if barbed wire meeting wildlife passage guidelines is substituted. Mule deer commonly fed inside the fence and may have benefited from exclusive use of this forage. Pronghorns, bison, and elk had difficulty entering the fence from the 4-rail side. Elk and pronghorns sometimes seemed to become trapped inside the fence.The objectives of this study were to determine if, under field conditions, wild ungulates were able and willing to: 1) cross intact (undamged) fence, closed gates, or open gates; 2) cross intact fence equally well from either side; 3) cross intact fence without becoming temporarily trapped inside it. The research for this study was done on part of the boundary of Yellowstone National Park in 1987 and 1988."

Buck-and-Pole Fence Crossings by 4 Ungulate Species

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