Temporary Wildlife Exclusion Fencing

Follow these standard best management practices that apply to all roadwork projects.

For short-term projects, consider an option like collecting turtle eggs, incubating them off-site, then re-introducing hatchlings after work is completed. See Appendix A of the pdf for a case study.

Install fencing before May.

• Before starting construction, install fencing then check the worksite to see that no animals are trapped in the work area.
• Use backfill on the worksite side of the fence as escape ramps.
• Give any trapped animals an escape route, space, and time to leave the worksite. If the animal does not leave on its own, and you are trained and permitted to assist, follow approved protocols to guide them safely out of the work zone. If you are not trained, please contact a professional for help moving the animal.

Install fences so the ends curve away from any openings or roadways.

For fence stability, the higher the fence, the shorter the distance between the posts.

• Where there are large-bodied species like foxsnakes and snapping turtles, ensure fencing is at least 2 metres high, has smooth material on the side of the fence that is outside the work area, and stakes are on the work area side of the fence.
• Install fences with an overhang or "lip" (with the lip on the side of the fence that is outside of the work area) at worksites where species like foxsnakes, snapping turtles, or toads are likely to climb over.
• Install fencing to the recommended height, ranging from 50 to 200 cm depending on species present in the work area.
• Install posts on the worksite side of the fence and bury them 30 cm into the ground to prevent animals from climbing the posts and breaching the fence.
• Manage tall or woody vegetation outside the fence.

• Bury fencing at least 20 cm (and deeper if recommended for the specific species present or the materials being used) to prevent animals from burrowing underneath.
• Where there are species that burrow, install an additional 10 cm horizontal buried lip at the base of the fence to prevent burrowing.

In areas like rock barrens where burying the fence is not possible, use heavy objects, like sandbags, to weigh down the fence.

• Install durable, wildlife-safe fabric fencing that is smooth and free of gaps or entanglement risks.
• If netting or mesh is required, use durable, wildlife safe options with elongated mesh netting (rectangular mesh compared to square) and loose weave designs with movable joints (movement between vertical and horizontal material). Do not use plastic or nylon mesh fencing/lining (including polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, or polyester).

• Light-duty geotextile fencing can be used for short-term projects, up to 6 months. Fencing fabric should be attached to stakes (wooden, heavy plastic, or metal) using heavy-duty wire staples or tie-wire. Stakes should be on the worksite side of the fence, 2 to 3 meters apart, and driven into the ground to a depth of 30 cm. The fabric should be buried and back-filled with soil.
• For longer-term wildlife exclusion projects use heavy-duty geotextile or galvanized mesh. When necessary, support the geotextile with a woven wire fence (e.g. chain link) or similar structure for durability. Install the wire fence on the worksite side.

• Inspect the fence daily, especially after rain or wind, to ensure it is working properly.
• Immediately repair any holes, gaps, sagging, or other damage to the fence.
• Prior to starting work each day, inspect the work area for animals.
• Inspect fencing after spring thaw if it remains over the winter and promptly repair any damage.

Remove fencing promptly after construction.