There are two guides about friendly fencing for wildlife available here. The first is the Alberta Landholder's Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fencing, from 2024. It is longer and more detailed than the second, which is 2012's How to Build Fence With Wildlife in Mind from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. That said, both guides are by the same author, Christine Paige, and the more recent one builds on the earlier one.
An Important Passage from Christine Paige's 2012 Article on Fencing
The friendliest fences are very visible and allow wild animals to easily jump over or slip under the wires or rails.
An Ideal Fence
A fence that is friendly to wildlife should:
- Allow animals to jump over and crawl under easily without injury;
- Be highly visible for both ungulates and birds.
Resource #1: Alberta Landholder's Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fencing
Alberta Conservation Association: Wildlife Friendly Fencing [PDF 3.12MB, 72 pages] in a new tab.
Resource #2: How to Build Fence with Wildlife in Mind
From the pamphlet
"Not all fences create problems for wild animals. By tailoring fence design and placement, you can reduce wildlife injuries and decrease damage to your fence. Many of these methods are low-cost or can save money in the long-run by reducing the need for future fence repair.
This guide will help you construct and modify fences and crossings that are friendlier to wildlife while still meeting fencing needs."
2012 Revised Report on Wildlife Friendly Fences [PDF 3.5MB, 56 pages] in a new tab.
Original Source:
Unfortunately, the website that originally hosted the report is no longer active. However, a copy of the "Creating the Wildlife-Friendly Fence" article exists at the Internet Archive.
