Efficacy of a 15-Strand High-Tensile Electric Fence to Control White-tailed Deer Movements
Abstract
Although, high-tensile electric fences (HTEF) have gained in popularity as a low-cost alternative to traditional fence designs, little research has focused on the effects of HTEF on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Our objectives were to: determine the efficacy of a HTEF to control deer movements and evaluate its influence on deer spatial dynamics. We conducted our study on the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Wildlife Unit located in Oklahoma, USA. An electric 15-strand, 2.5 m high fence was erected around the study area in 1992. We captured and ear-tagged 419 deer from 1993-2005 and fitted 35 of these deer (19 females, 16 males) with GPS collars during winter 1998-2004. Eight of 35 radio-collared deer (23%) crossed through the fence a total of 15 times and returned 13 times. Most fence crossings were at or near a hole or water gap (75%; n = 21) while 21.4% (n = 6) crossed through the electric strands. Twenty four of 419 (6%) ear-tagged deer were reported dead or harvested off of the property over 13 years. We found ≥13 deer core areas and ≥29 of home ranges bordered the fence. Core area and home range sizes of males and females were larger for deer associated with the fence compared to deer not associated with the fence. The percentage of deer FK core area and home range perimeters in common with the fence was 17 and 28%, respectively. It appears deer were tolerable of the fence and willing to attempt to cross at weak locations (i.e., holes and water gaps). If fully maintained, the 15-strand HTEF would have been a safe and effective alternative to more traditional and expensive fence designs.
Keywords
Deer-proof fence; GPS collars; High fence; Home range; Human-wildlife conflict; Odocoileus virginianus; Oklahoma.Supplementary files
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