Welfare of Migrating Animals Affected by Barrier Infrastructure

Fences, walls, and border infrastructure create barriers to wildlife migration that cause disorientation, exhaustion, injury, and population fragmentation with welfare consequences.

Key Facts

The US-Mexico border wall blocks migration routes for jaguars, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and many other species
The EU-Turkey border fence has disrupted Eurasian lynx movement across the Balkans
Animals that encounter border fencing may become entangled, injured attempting to cross, or trapped in dangerous zones
Pronghorn antelope in Wyoming undertake one of North Americas longest land migrations — blocked in places by fencing
Wildlife-friendly fence designs including smooth lower wires and lift-up sections allow passage without full removal

Welfare Considerations

Border and barrier infrastructure built for human purposes creates welfare crises for animals whose migration routes predate any human boundary. Animals who encounter new fences after generations of unimpeded migration press against them, sustaining injuries attempting to cross, and experience the physiological stress of blocked movement. Some become trapped in the dangerous zone between barriers. Welfare-sensitive infrastructure design — including wildlife crossing protocols, fence modification programs, and migration route assessment — can reduce these harms significantly.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife corridor programs that address barrier infrastructure in migration routes
Advocate for wildlife-friendly design standards in infrastructure construction near known migration routes
Donate to organizations mapping and mitigating barrier impacts on migratory wildlife
Raise awareness of migration barrier welfare impacts in discussions about border and infrastructure policy