Thursday, August 9, 2007

PS 57-38: Electric fencing as a measure to reduce moose-vehicle collisions

Mathieu Leblond1, Christian Dussault2, Jean-Pierre Ouellet1, Marius Poulin3, Réhaume Courtois2, and Jacques Fortin3. (1) Université du Quebec a Rimouski, (2) Ministere des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, (3) Ministere des Transports du Quebec

We tested the effectiveness of electric fences to reduce moose (Alces alces)-vehicle collisions in 2 fenced sectors (5 km and 10 km) using weekly track surveys and Global Positioning System telemetry. Number of moose tracks along highways decreased by approximately 80% following fence installation. Only 30% (16/53) of moose tracks observed on the road side of the fence were left by moose that crossed an operational fence; moose mostly entered the fenced corridor through openings (e.g., secondary roads) or at fence extremities. Electric fences also prevented 78% (7/9) of collared moose from crossing the highway in fenced sectors. Fences were less effective during occasional power failures. We suggest that circuit breakers should be used to prevent power failures and that there should be no opening along the fence line unless anti-ungulate structures are used.

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See more of The ESA/SER Joint Meeting (August 5 -- August 10, 2007)