The effectiveness of electrified barriers to keep large mammals out of a fenced road corridor and a campground

Abstract

For this project the researchers investigated the effectiveness of electrified barriers designed to keep large mammals out of a fenced road corridor (Trans-Canada Highway through Banff and Yoho National Park) and a campground (Lake Louise Campground, Banff National Park). The barriers were designed for large ungulates (e.g. white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose) and large mammal species with paws (e.g. black bear, grizzly bear). The barriers consisted of steel pipes that were partially electrified. None of the white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bears, grizzly bears, red foxes, and coyotes that were observed on the habitat side of the barriers crossed the electrified barriers into the fenced road corridor or the campground. A black bear attempting to exit the fenced road corridor failed to cross to the habitat side of the electrified barrier. Two red foxes and one wolverine did appear to exit the fenced road corridor to the habitat side of the electrified barrier, but these three crossings were all in winter when the voltage was likely compromised because of snow and road salt. In addition, crossings to the habitat side can be considered acceptable as they improve human safety on the main highway and keep the animals from being hit by vehicles. We conclude that, although sample sizes were limited, the electrified barriers (when voltage was adequate and when not filled with snow) were 100% effective in keeping both large ungulates and large species with paws out of a fenced road corridor and a campground.