Wyoming Game Officials Removing Fences To Save Wildlife From Getting Run-Over

In Wyoming, fences are used to keep range animals in or out of an area. But according to Tony Mong, the Cody Regional Wildlife Biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, wild range animals, such as deer, elk, or antelope, can get caught up in fences – or worse, the fences cause the animals to run into a roadway. As a result, the Game and Fish Department, along with other agencies, is looking at places where fences might be removed or replaced to help wildlife. “Here recently we’ve had a lot of interest in movement of animals across the landscape,” Mong said. “So, part of that is looking at fencing and seeing if it’s hampering their abilities to move, or if it’s actually enhancing and helping.” With the assistance of other agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Game and Fish Department is replacing fencing that is dangerous to wildlife. The most recent stretch of fencing that’s been replaced is near Wapiti, west of Cody on the highway to Yellowstone. “This particular stretch of fence is what’s called sheep fence,” Mong said. “So, it’s woven wire, it’s very difficult for animals to get through it. And so, because there was no need for that fencing anymore, because they weren’t running sheep or things that could get out of the fence and get into the roadways, we’re able to look at it and say, you know, it would be better if it’s wildlife friendly.” Mong says that the Wyoming Department of Transportation took the initiative to contact landowners and get the project going...MORE