Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation

Fence Removal Project | Wildlife Friendly Fencing | Creating a Friendly Fence | Fence Removal Calendar

Fence Removal Project

Why Should We Remove Obsolete Barbed Wire Fencing?
The magnificent elk shown in this photo was one of the recent winter casualties of barbed wire fencing in Jackson Hole. When animals attempt to jump fences, they can easily catch a leg becoming ensnared in the deadly strands of wire. These fences can become death traps for wintering wildlife, particularly fences that block migration corridors or access to food and water. Besides the possibility of entanglement in fences, they also obstruct the movement of wildlife, which can affect their ability to survive during winter months, especially if the animal is very young or old.

The fence removal project also benefits the valley's trumpeter swan population. Fences that block waterways are a serious problem for this species which is already on the brink of being listed as endangered. Swans need 100 unobstructed feet for take-off and landing. To learn more about how you can help trumpeter swans, visit the Trumpeter Swan Fund.

Each summer the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation organizes groups of volunteers to take down old barbed wire fences in the valley. We track which fences cause problems and work with land use agencies and private land owners to either remove the fence or alter it to make it safer for wildlife.

Imagine 100 Miles of Barbed Wire Fence

Photo of barbed wire loop on fence – Credit Mark Gocke

On Saturday, September 16th, 2006, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation and dedicated volunteers removed their 100th mile of obsolete barbed wire fence. This enormous feat was accomplished through the hard work of hundreds of volunteers. Started in 1996 from a single undertaking to remove an unwanted fence from private land on Fall Creek Road in Wilson, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation has built a successful conservation program carried out by volunteers to benefit wildlife throughout our valley on both private and public lands. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation works with the Bridger Teton National Forest, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Grand Teton National Park and private land owners to remove unnecessary fencing.

Photo of bison jumping fence by Henry Holdsworth

Of the 100 miles, many fences have been removed from retired cattle allotments on public lands. While the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation does not advocate a position regarding cattle grazing, once a decision has been made to retire an allotment, the organization steps-in to remove no-longer needed fencing. Removing these fences allows natural wildlife movement and eliminates the hazard that may cause entanglement. The 100th mile was reached on Grand Teton National Park in the Kelly Warm Springs area. This area is part of the pronghorn’s 100-mile migration between their summer range in Grand Teton National Park and their winter range in the Upper Green River Basin. Mary Gibson Scott, Superintendent for Grand Teton National Park, stated, “On behalf of the National Park Service and employees of Grand Teton National Park, I extend our heartfelt thanks that the work of Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation volunteers have done to protect the health and safety of wildlife in and around Jackson Hole. In Grand Teton National Park alone the JHWF has removed more than 32 miles of barbed wire fence since 2002. This effort has been the result of the hard work of many who together have dedicated a total of more than 570 days of stewardship in the park.”

If you would like to volunteer for our Fence Removal Program, please call (307) 739-0968 or email info@jhwildlife.org. We promise you a gorgeous backdrop, good exercise and a huge sense of accomplishment.