North American Wildlife

Pronghorn Welfare and Fence Migration Barriers in Western USA

Pronghorns undertake the longest land migration in the lower 48 states, but barbed wire fences block migration routes established over millennia. Fence modification programs allow safe passage while maintaining ranching functionality.

Key Facts

Pronghorns undertake a 150+ mile migration between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Unlike deer, pronghorns cannot jump fences and must crawl under or be blocked entirely
Barbed wire fences with low bottom strands can trap and injure pronghorns
The Wyoming Range project has modified over 500 miles of fence to be pronghorn-friendly
Bottom wire height of 18 inches or more allows pronghorn passage without deer overpopulation

Welfare Considerations

Pronghorns trapped against impassable fences during migration experience severe stress and exhaustion. Animals that attempt to crawl through barbed wire suffer lacerations. Blocked migration forces pronghorns to find alternative routes through unfamiliar terrain with higher predation and vehicle collision risk. Fence modification is a highly cost-effective welfare intervention that requires minimal investment but provides lasting benefit.

What You Can Do

Support Wyoming Range project and Western Landowners Alliance fence modification programs
Donate to Pronghorn migration corridor research at University of Wyoming
Advocate for BLM and Forest Service fence modification requirements on public land grazing allotments
Engage with Teton Conservation District fence modification technical assistance programs
Spread awareness of pronghorn migration as a natural wonder worth protecting