Research Insights
CESU-Piedmont Deer-tested Fences: Innovations to reduce conflicts with deer and fencing in suburban habitats
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program responds to numerous calls from metro Atlanta residents about white-tailed deer becoming entangled in residential fences (e.g., wrought iron). These emergencies present concerns for the welfare of deer and the safety of residents and responding personnel. Although fences greater than 10 feet in height are known to prevent deer crossings, little research has been done to examine deer interactions with common fence designs in suburban areas. Understanding where deer-fence conflicts occur in metro Atlanta and the design features of fences which are problematic would offer opportunities to engineer improved fences and to modify existing fences to reduce deer entanglements. This study will utilize information from previous deer-fence conflicts and new data about the jumping behavior of captive deer to guide fence modifications. Additional testing with captive deer jumping modified fencing will be conducted. Finally, residents will be surveyed to determine preferences for fence modifications designed to reduce conflicts with deer relative to aesthetics, costs, practicality, and likelihood of reducing conflicts with deer. Ultimately, GADNR will be equipped with information to provide residents, municipalities, and homeowners associations wishing to reduce issues related to deer interacting with residential fences.
Funder: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Amount: $627,929
PI: Gino D’Angelo, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources