Impact of tall wildlife fences along highways

[snowhunter]

Having been scouting along both side of the tall wildlife fences of Hwy #5 and # 97 in British Columbia. Which cut of all north-south and east-west movement of large wildlife, from coyote and up, I am wondering about the negative effects, these wildlife fences have on wildlife, beyond just preventing collission between cars and animal.

Some areas of these wildlife fences appears to function like a giant "fishing net" that traps seasonal migrating moose and deer in very large numbers, along these mand made barriers.

Have there ever been any impact study on wildlife along these wildlife fences in the south western interior of British Colombia ?

There is only one "wildlife Overpass", along this 200 km part of the fenced highway, which clearly are to small and narrow to be used by any larger animals.

 

[Colin]

In theory they should have done a environmental review, but knowing ParksCanada, I am sure they glossed over the negative issues. I suspect the fences would have a genetic impact on the population. However it might be worth it to prevent a larger mortality rate on a paticular population despite the drawbacks, would also benifit predators.

 

[snowhunter]

From the huge amount of winter moose dropping I found in one particular area along this wildlife fence, I am suspecting a dramatic, man made change in the ancient migrating beheavior of large animals and their predators, in the south western interior of British Columbia.

Would be intresting to have a new impact study about the large animal population along this man made barrier. I believe from the experience I have gained by scouting along this modern "Animal Wall", that more and better animal overpasses are ugently needed.

 

[snowhunter]

Also, when we humans starts to build walls in order to contain and control wild animal movements and behaviors, we are in effect turning parts of the wild outdoors into to a giant "Zoo's", as well as turning those walled areas into "canned hunting" properties, for two and four legged predators ?

 

[Gatehouse]

I always thought that the wildlife would use the numerous creek crossings to travel. The road goes over the creek, the animals go below the bridge..

I've never stopped to look carefully,though.

 

[snowhunter]

It is my understanding that deer, elk and moose will not use any underpasses. Only bears, coyotes and other animals migth use these underpasses.

 

[HeadDamage]

They will use underpasses... In a past job part of my job was using sand traps and remote cameras to document animal use of under passes on a mine site in the Rockies. Never saw a bear or other pred use them but all of the deer family did.

 

[snowhunter]

I am glad to learn that the deer family are using the underpasses. Are they also using the several overpasses in the Parks ?

However, on the 200 km strects of fenced highway of south eastern interior British Columbia, there is only one very narrow overpass, and no underpasses.

Therefore, the deer family does, for the better or the worse, gets permanently trapped on either side of this man made barrier.

 

[Gatehouse]

Have you talked to the local clubs and BCWF that were the proponents of theses fences? I think you will find that there was quite a bit of study done on the impacts of wildlife migration.

The underpasses need not be some sort of tunnel, whenever the road crosses a drainage, there is an underpass created.

Calling the BCWF woudl be the first step to adress your concerns, I am sure they have quite a bit of information on these fences.

Here is some reading:

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/kickinghorse/reports/7-1-2/impacts_to_wildlife-may99.pdf

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0001913

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publication...nment/references/Wildlife_Fencing_Program.pdf

 

[snowhunter]

Thanks, I will look into this avenue and find out if there is snything that can be done to improve the natural movements and migrations of large animals across highway # 5 and # 97C in south eastern, interior British Columbia.