Wildsight removes old barbed fences to protect wildlife

Snipping away the danger

Photo: Wildsight Creston Valley

Old barbed wire fencing can be a serious hazard to wildlife, but the Wildsight Creston Valley branch is making a difference.

Volunteers are needed — at the corner of Mallory Road and Airport Road — to help remove old barbed wire in Creston on Tuesday, March 18

Debby Johnson with the Wildsight Creston Valley branch said that old and outdated barbed wire fencing poses a risk to wildlife such as deer, elk, and moose, leading them to be susceptible to injury or death.

“The reason that we’re doing this is that a lot of the fencing to keep wildlife out is outdated,” she said. “Animals can get entangled.”

Photo: Wildsight Creston Valley

She added that birds and other low-flying species are also at risk as they often don't have the ability to spot and see the thin wires.

Wildsight advocates for property owners to invest in wildlife-friendly fencing to help reduce the harm brought on by outdated barbed wire fencing.

Photo: Wildsight Creston Valley

These kinds of installations are highly visible, making it easier for animals to just crawl over them without injury without getting trapped within the confines.

• Anyone interested in helping out or wanting more information can contact Debby Johnson at 250-428-6438. They can also email [email protected] or [email protected].

Johnson said that the dates will be subject to change depending on the weather.