Fencing defines property lines and adds a layer of security to keep your home and family safe. However, traditional fence construction can severely injure animals. This guide will explore how to make your fence wildlife-friendly and help you create a barrier that meets your security needs while allowing animals to move freely and safely. Learn how to make your fence wildlife-friendly with designs specific to your area’s wildlife and your personal style.
Impact of Fences on Wildlife
Many standard fence designs can harm or hinder wildlife. Tall, solid barriers prevent animals from reaching food and water sources or separate young from their parents. Wire fences, especially those with barbs, can snag and injure animals attempting to cross. Even chain-link fences, while visible, can trap smaller creatures in their mesh.
Animals may also injure themselves trying to jump over too-high fences or crawl under those set too close to the ground. Fences can sometimes disrupt migration patterns, leading to broader ecological issues.
The Importance of Wildlife-Friendly Fencing
Wildlife-friendly fencing helps maintain the health and balance of local ecosystems. Allowing animals to move freely helps preserve natural migration patterns, reduce the risk of animal injury, and promote biodiversity.
How To Identify Wildlife In Your Area
Understanding the naturally occurring fauna in your area will help you make smart design decisions about the fence and where it’s placed.
Identifying Local Animal Species
Each animal has unique needs and behaviors. Start by researching the types of animals common in your region. This may include deer, rabbits, foxes, and various bird species. Local wildlife organizations or your state’s fish and game department can be good resources for this information.
Migration Patterns and Corridors
Some areas are especially active for animal movement, especially during migration seasons. If your property lies in a similar zone, design fencing that allows them to pass safely. Look for signs of animal crossings, such as tracks or well-worn paths, to identify these areas.
Choosing Wildlife-Friendly Fence Designs
Here are some fence designs that can meet both your needs and keep wildlife safe:
- Post-and-Rail Fences: These are an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly barriers. They’re highly visible to animals and allow for easy passage. Keep these fences no higher than 40 inches. Choose a two-rail design over three rails for more space for animals to pass through or jump over.
- Worm Fences: These are also known as snake fences or zigzag fences and offer a rustic, attractive option that’s kind to wildlife. They consist of stacked rails in a zigzag pattern. Keep the height under three feet. This design is easily visible to animals and allows for multiple crossing points.
- Wire Fences: Go with smooth wire over barbed wire. The top and bottom wires should always be smooth to prevent injury to leaping or crawling animals. Keep the top wire no higher than 40 inches, with 12 inches between wires and 18 inches between the bottom wire and the ground. Add markers or flags along the wires so the animals can see the fence.
Wildlife-Friendly Fence Features
Here are some tips to help you build features into your fence to help keep wildlife safe:
- Generally, fences should be no higher than 40 inches to allow larger animals, such as deer, to jump over safely. Leave at least 18 inches of space at the bottom of the fence for smaller animals to crawl under.
- Add gates or drop-down sections in your fence to provide designated wildlife crossings. Remember to open these passages during migration seasons to facilitate animal movement.
- Make your fence more visible to prevent accidental collisions, especially for birds and fast-moving animals. Attach small markers or flags along the length of wire fences. For wooden fences, use lighter-colored wood or add reflective elements.
Exploring Natural Fence Alternatives
Natural barriers often serve the same purpose as traditional fences while being inherently wildlife-friendly.
Living Fences: Hedges and Trees
Hedges and tree lines are great natural fences. They provide a barrier and offer habitat and food sources for various species. Choose native plants that are well-suited to your climate and beneficial to local wildlife, such as elderberry or thimbleberry, depending on your region.
Stone Walls as Wildlife-Friendly Barriers
Stone walls can be attractive and wildlife-friendly. They shelter small animals and allow larger creatures to pass easily. When building a stone wall, leave gaps or small tunnels to give smaller animals safe passage.
Water Barriers
Ponds and streams can serve as beautiful natural boundaries that help with land management. Add plant life around the edges to provide habitat and food for various species. Make sure these water features allow animals to access and exit safely.
Maintaining Your Wildlife-Friendly Fence
Inspect your fence regularly for damage, especially after storms or heavy snowfall. Loose wires, broken rails, or sharp edges can be dangerous, so repair any issues ASAP to keep the fence safe.
Seasonal Considerations for Wildlife Movement
You may need to take extra precautions during migration or breeding seasons, including opening gates more frequently or temporarily lowering fencing sections to keep the animals moving.
Keeping Natural Fences Healthy
Trim overgrown branches and remove dead plants to keep natural fences looking nice and full. Regularly check for and address any diseases or pest infestations as well.
Balancing Human Needs with Wildlife Conservation
While keeping out wildlife is the number one goal, your fencing should also protect your family, property, and investments.
Protecting Gardens and Livestock
Stronger fencing may be necessary for vegetable gardens or areas with livestock. Think about enclosing only these specific areas rather than your entire property. Electric fencing can deter predators around chicken coops or beehives while letting other wildlife through safely.
Child and Pet Safety
If you need to keep children or pets in a specific area, use reinforced fencing to create a designated space for them to play rather than closing in your entire property.
Addressing Security Concerns
Fencing plays a role in home security, and it’s possible to have effective security without completely sacrificing wildlife-friendliness. You can use taller, solid fences around high-security areas while keeping most of your property’s fencing wildlife-friendly. Motion sensor lights and cameras can provide additional security that doesn’t interfere with wildlife.
