Pronghorn undertake one of North America's longest land migrations but face barriers from fencing and development that block ancient corridors, causing welfare problems from failed migrations.
Pronghorn attempting blocked migrations face a welfare crisis. Unable to jump standard fences, animals that encounter barriers must search for gaps, becoming exhausted and disoriented. Fawns separated from mothers by fences face starvation. Animals forced onto roads when migration routes are blocked experience vehicle collision risk. Pronghorn denied access to seasonal range have reduced nutritional resources, affecting body condition and reproductive success. The entirely solvable nature of fencing barriers - through minor modifications - makes blocked migration an especially preventable welfare problem.