Pronghorn Migration and Fencing Welfare

Pronghorn antelope undertake the longest overland migration in the lower 48 US states, with wire fencing the primary barrier causing injury and population fragmentation.

Key Facts

Pronghorn migrate up to 300 miles annually between summer and winter range in Wyoming and Idaho
Unlike deer, pronghorn rarely jump fences - they evolved on open plains without obstacles and go under or around
Wire fencing forces detours of miles and causes entanglement injuries to animals attempting to push through
Wildlife-friendly fencing with a smooth bottom wire 18 inches off the ground allows pronghorn to slide under
The Path of the Pronghorn corridor is the first federally protected wildlife migration corridor in the US

Welfare Considerations

Individual pronghorn tangled in wire fencing suffer acute injuries from lacerations, broken legs, and strangulation. Pronghorn unable to complete migration due to fencing barriers face starvation on depleted winter range. Even successful detours around fencing cost significant energy that affects survival and reproduction. Wildlife-friendly fencing modifications cost approximately $1 per foot more than conventional fencing - a modest investment for protecting a species that evolved across the open plains these landscapes once were.

What You Can Do

Support the Path of the Pronghorn and similar corridor protection initiatives
Advocate for wildlife-friendly fencing standards on public lands and voluntary programs on private lands
If you own rural land, retrofit existing fencing to wildlife-friendly specifications
Support organizations mapping pronghorn migration routes to identify critical fencing problem areas
Learn about pronghorn migration to share awareness of this remarkable annual journey