Date of Award:

5-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Patricia C. Cramer

Committee

Patricia C. Cramer

Committee

John A. Bissonette

Committee

Daniel C. Coster

Abstract

Vehicle collisions with large wild animals threaten public safety, can harm wildlife populations, and often result in substantial property damage. The most effective
way to reduce these collisions is to install wildlife fencing along the roadway and provide structures that enable wildlife to cross roads safely. However, if access roads that bisect fencing do not include barriers to deter animals from entering the highway, these measures can become ineffective. The purpose of my research was to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of barriers currently used to exclude wildlife from highways, and 2) determine whether cattle guards augmented with segments of electrified pavement could reduce wildlife intrusions through fence openings. Transportation departments are currently seeking cost-effective ways to reduce wildlife access to roads. In chapter 2, I used cameras to evaluate wildlife barriers at access roads along highways in Utah. Of the five barrier designs monitored, two designs consistently prevented mule deer from accessing highways. In chapter 3, I tested cattle guards treated with electrified pavement. I used cameras to monitor wildlife entries into fenced areas and found cattle guards treated with electrified pavement reliably deterred mule deer and elk. However, when tested on the road, a cattle guard treated with electrified pavement had mixed results. Electrified pavement appears to have potential to reduce wildlife access to roadways, but results from long-term monitoring at multiple in-road sites are needed.

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