Fences Non-lethal?
Are fences non-lethal? Animal rights protest industry activists regularly claim that lethal control of wildlife is cruel and unnecessary because non-lethal control options are available. Fencing is one of the techniques touted as the solution to many human-wildlife conflicts. While fencing is certainly an option, the cost of fencing can raise concerns regarding economic justice. But that is the subject of another blog.
My point is simply to say that fencing is not necessarily a non-lethal form of control. In addition, I am asserting that fences are not a benign a solution as suggested. I have published an article debunking the binary distinction between lethal and non-lethal control. You can read it at http://www.berrymaninstitute.org/journal/fall2012/p._335-338_Commentary.pdf .
But the effect of fences on wildlife is not just an abstract or philosophical point. It’s real. Fences can and do kill. Massachusetts Wildlife magazine article “An Incident of Antler Entanglement” (no author given) 2012 (67:4) pp. 22-3 tells of a two whitetail bucks whose antlers were entangled in electric fence wire. One died and the other was dragging the dead deer around trying to survive.
Lest you think this is just an isolated incident, consider the publication A Landowner’s Guide to Building Wildlife Friendly Fences: How to Build a Fence with Wildlife in Mind, 2nd ed. Revised and updated, 2012 a publication by the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department. This 56 page document shows how fences both in agricultural and residential use kill wildlife.
Bottom Line
The next time someone tells you that fences are non-lethal, remind him/her that fences can and do kill. And that possibly lethal control now and not building a fence may be a better long-term option for both your client and the animals.
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.