Wild Pronghorn Antelope Migration: Fencing Threats and Corridor Protection

Pronghorn antelope make the longest terrestrial animal migration in the lower 48 US states. Fencing for livestock has fragmented their migration corridors, threatening this remarkable natural phenomenon.

Key Facts

Pronghorn make annual migrations of up to 300 miles between summer and winter ranges in Wyoming and Idaho
The Path of the Pronghorn was designated as the first federally protected wildlife corridor in the US in 2008
Pronghorn evolved in open grasslands and lack the jumping ability of deer and elk - they cannot cross fences
Livestock fencing designed for cattle prevents pronghorn migration when it crosses traditional routes
Bottom-wire modifications (raising the lowest wire) or wildlife-friendly fence designs allow pronghorn passage
Highway US 191 in Wyoming was modified with wildlife underpasses specifically for pronghorn migration
Climate change is altering the timing and routes of pronghorn migration as winter range conditions change
Approximately 600,000 pronghorn remain in North America compared to an estimated 35 million historically

Welfare Considerations

Pronghorn welfare is directly affected by fence barriers that prevent migration to winter forage. Animals unable to reach winter range face starvation as snow covers summer range food sources. Individual pronghorn trapped against fences during migration may die attempting to find passage. The welfare cost of migration obstruction extends to the population level - populations unable to migrate face habitat conditions that limit carrying capacity, causing nutritional stress and increased mortality. Wildlife-friendly fence modifications represent a straightforward, cost-effective intervention that can be implemented at scale with landowner cooperation. The conservation success of the Path of the Pronghorn demonstrates that migration corridor protection is achievable through collaborative approaches.

What You Can Do

Support Wyoming Wildlife Federation and American Wildlife Conservation Partners' pronghorn programs
Advocate for wildlife-friendly fence standards on public lands in pronghorn migration corridors
Donate to fencing modification programs replacing bottom-wire barrier fences with pronghorn-friendly designs
Support wildlife crossing programs that allow pronghorn to safely cross highways
Educate ranchers and landowners about the economic and ecological value of allowing pronghorn migration