Study

Field test of a coyote-proof fence

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Install non-electric fencing to exclude predators or herbivores and reduce human-wildlife conflict

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Install non-electric fencing to exclude predators or herbivores and reduce human-wildlife conflict

    A replicated, before-and-after, site comparison study in 1972–1977 in two pasture ranches in Oregon, USA (deCalesta & Cropsey 1978) found that following erection of a fence to protect sheep, the number killed by coyotes Canis latrans was reduced to zero. Results were not tested for statistical significance. Over one year after fencing, no sheep were lost to coyotes in two fenced pastures. During the five years before fences were installed, 2% of sheep/pasture/year were killed by coyotes across one ranch and 24% across the other. On unfenced pastures on one of the ranch 1% of sheep were lost to coyotes in the year that the fenced pasture was monitored with 10% lost to coyotes on unfenced pastures on the other ranch. Two 5-ha pastures were fenced in November–December 1976. Fences were 1.8 m tall, made of wire, had a 41-cm overhang at a 60° angle from the fenced poles and an apron of old fence wire extending 61 cm out from the bottom, to inhibit digging under the fence. Ranchers monitored sheep kills by coyotes.

    (Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)

Output references
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