Wildlife-Friendly Fencing

Why does fence design matter for wildlife?

Animals move across the land daily for food, water and shelter, and many are blocked or injured by fences. Deer catch legs between wires, young animals cannot find their way through, and birds strike wire they cannot see. These injuries are painful for the animal and often invisible to the owner.

Wildlife-friendly design tries to keep your stock where you want them while letting wildlife pass safely. It is usually a matter of height, spacing and visibility, not extra cost.

The cheapest time to think about wildlife is when you are already building or repairing a fence. Adding a different top wire costs almost nothing compared with replacing the whole line later.

What features make a fence safer?

Top wire height, the gap between the top two wires, and the bottom wire's distance from the ground all matter. Smooth wire on the top and bottom, and good tension, reduce injuries. Details differ by species and region, so ask your state wildlife agency for the dimensions it recommends instead of copying a number from the internet.

Visibility helps too. Markers, flagging or white tape on high-risk sections make wire easier for birds and larger animals to see.

Check your fence after storms and in spring and fall, when migrating animals and young animals are most active. A quick walk can catch a sagging wire before an animal does.

• Smooth wire at top and bottom
• Space between wires that suits local species
• Visible markers on risky sections
• Good tension so the fence does not sag and tangle

What about woven wire and electric fences?

Tight woven wire can stop wildlife from passing at all, trapping animals or pushing them onto roads. Adding gaps, gates or lay-down sections can open crossing points. Electric fences can deter predators and some wildlife but may entangle animals, and they require careful installation. Read manufacturer and local guidance.

Be careful with netting and loose material. Netting around gardens and orchards can trap snakes, birds and other animals, so check it often and choose designs that let animals escape.

Livestock needs come first. A fence must keep your animals in and safe, so ask your extension office for guidance that balances both goals for your species of stock.

Where should I put crossing points?

Look for game trails, creek crossings, and spots where animals already cross. Putting a gate, a drop-down section or a gap there can reduce damage to the fence and injuries to animals. Many landowners are surprised how consistently animals use the same few places.

Seasonal changes matter too. In winter, deep snow may force animals to cross at different places, and in spring young animals follow their mothers. Walk fence lines after storms and check for entangled wildlife.

Cameras or a simple notebook can show you where animals cross. A few weeks of observation before building a crossing point is worth more than guessing.

What should I do if an animal is caught?

Do not approach a trapped wild animal that can injure you. A frightened deer can kick, and any wild animal may bite or carry disease. Call your state wildlife agency, a game warden or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on what to do and who can help.

If you must cut wire to free an animal and you are advised it is safe, protect yourself and keep children and pets away. Do not handle wildlife with bare hands.

How do I fit this to my budget?

You do not need to replace the whole fence. When you repair or rebuild, change the top wire, add markers or build one crossing at a time. Take photos before and after, and keep notes of where animals cross.

Conservation programs sometimes support fencing practices that benefit grazing and wildlife. Ask NRCS about current options, and check the rules on any agreement before building.

Photograph each fence change so you can show a conservation planner or a neighbor exactly what you did.

Do boundaries and neighbors play a role?

Boundary fences may be shared or governed by local fence laws that assign responsibility between neighbors. These laws differ widely, so contact your county or an attorney before changing a shared fence. Talk to neighbors early and explain what you plan.

Wildlife-friendly fencing works better when neighbors take part, since animals move across many properties. Share what works, and ask what has worked for them.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.