Pronghorn Migration and Fence Welfare

How livestock fencing fragments pronghorn migration corridors and what fence design modifications can restore wildlife movement welfare.

Key Facts

Pronghorns are the fastest land animals in the Western Hemisphere, capable of sustained speeds of 55+ mph
Unlike deer, pronghorns cannot jump most fences - they crawl under fences rather than leap over them
Standard livestock barbed wire fences with bottom strands close to the ground prevent pronghorn passage
Fence modifications raising the bottom strand to 18 inches or replacing bottom strands with smooth wire significantly improve passage
Pronghorn migration routes up to hundreds of miles long cross numerous fences that fragment their travel
Wildlife crossing underpasses on roads used by pronghorn have significantly reduced migration mortality in some areas
Collaborative programs with ranchers have successfully modified thousands of miles of fence in the American West

Welfare Considerations

Pronghorn welfare is directly constrained by fencing that prevents access to seasonal ranges, water, and escape from predators. Animals that encounter impenetrable fence lines during migration are forced into energetically costly detours or become trapped against barriers. Fence modifications that allow pronghorn passage cost relatively little to implement and have been embraced by many ranchers who recognize the value of coexisting with wildlife. The collaborative model of engaging landowners voluntarily has proven more effective than regulatory approaches in achieving fence modification at landscape scale. This is an area where wildlife welfare and ecosystem management interests align with reasonable agricultural practice.

What You Can Do

Support organizations working with ranchers to modify fencing for wildlife passage in pronghorn range
Advocate for wildlife-friendly fence design standards in land management plans for public and private land
Donate to fencing modification programs that enable pronghorn migration corridor connectivity
Learn about pronghorn migration routes in your region through state wildlife agency resources
Encourage landowners with pronghorn on their property to assess and modify problematic fence sections