Caribou Predator Exclosure Fencing Trials

Declining boreal caribou populations have been linked to increased predation facilitated by habitat alterations, prompting recovery efforts that traditionally focus on habitat protection and restoration. This pilot project examined whether predator-exclusion fencing could help protect caribou, and underwent two design phases. Phase 1 trialed a heavy woven-wire fence with top and bottom aprons at a baited site; it excluded wolves, coyotes, and lynx but was twice breached by black bears and was expensive to build. Phase 2 then evaluated a more cost-efficient electric fence design at two baited exclosures monitored with remote cameras and periodic human servicing to document predator interactions.

The electric fencing exclosures successfully prevented predator breaches over 242 days of monitoring, with black bears repelled after receiving shocks. No other predators tested the fences, and predator avoidance may have been influenced by human activity near the sites. These findings suggest electric fencing is a promising, and more cost-effective option for large-scale predator exclusion compared to more expensive structural designs. However, further testing is needed to assess long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and performance across varied terrain.