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Why Does Friendly Fencing Matter?
In Victoria, our backyards and farms are part of important wildlife habitat. Many animals—kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, wombats, gliders, and flying foxes—need to move across the land to feed, find water, shelter, and mates.
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Trap & Injure
Trap, injure, or kill animals if it’s the wrong type, especially barbed wire.
Block Safe Passage
Block movement, forcing animals onto dangerous roads to get around.
Cause Stress & Starvation
Cause stress, panic, and even starvation if animals become stranded.
Is Your Fence Wildlife-Friendly?
Use this quick checklist to find out.
- NO barbed wire, especially on the top strand.
- Plain wires spaced to allow small animals to pass underneath (30–50 cm at the bottom).
- Good visibility so animals can see it and avoid collisions.
- Not too high (under 1.2–1.5 m if possible, unless needed for livestock).
- No mesh with small holes that can trap legs or heads (like ringlock or deer wire).
- Does not funnel animals toward roads or dead ends.
If your fence ticks all the green boxes—great! If not, don’t worry—there are easy fixes.
What You Can Do (Even On a Budget)
Existing Fences: Cheap & Simple Fixes
- Replace the top strand of barbed wire with plain wire (or cover barbs with poly-pipe or old hose).
- Add white plastic tags, reflective tape, or strips of cloth to make fencing visible—especially for nocturnal animals.
- Cut a few small “wombat gates” (20 cm high x 30–40 cm wide) under the fence in safe spots.
- Leave logs or rocks at regular intervals to help smaller animals pass through or under.
- If mesh is used, cut a hole or two near ground level every 10–15 metres for escape paths.
New Fences: Design with Wildlife in Mind
- Use post-and-rail fencing or plain wire where possible.
- Avoid chain mesh, netting, or closely spaced wires unless essential for livestock.
- Use white droppers, tape, or tags from the start to increase visibility.
- For barbed wire, Wildlife Friendly Fencing recommends only using it if absolutely needed (e.g. top strand for cattle).
How Different Animals Are Affected
Kangaroos & Wallabies
Often get trapped when trying to jump over high or poorly visible fences, leading to entanglement and injury.
Flying Foxes & Gliders
Can get tangled in barbed wire, especially on the top strand, causing horrific wing injuries.
Wombats & Echidnas
Can get stuck under mesh or wire that is too close to the ground, preventing them from accessing their burrows and foraging grounds.
Birds of Prey
May collide with hard-to-see wire fences while flying low and hunting, causing serious injury or death.
Each year, Wildlife Victoria responds to thousands of fencing-related injuries—many are preventable.
Found an Animal Caught in a Fence?
Do not try to free it yourself—this can cause more harm to you and the animal. Stay calm and follow these steps.
- Keep your distance and stay quiet to reduce the animal’s stress.
- Call Wildlife Victoria immediately. Their experts are trained for safe rescue.
- If it’s safe, provide shade with a blanket or jacket and wait nearby until help arrives.
If it’s a regular issue:
- Talk to neighbours about making changes together.
- Report dangerous fencing to DEECA (136 186) or your local council.
- Consider signage to alert others to a wildlife crossing area.
Learn More & Take Action
Every small change helps save lives. You can be part of the solution.
Get Expert Advice
Work Together
Find Local Support
Let your fence be a bridge—not a barrier.
Join us at the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network to make a meaningful difference. Your support enables us to protect vulnerable wildlife, provide education and advocacy, and strengthen community involvement. Help us transform passion into action and create a safer habitat for all creatures!