Pacing
Pacing
Animals pacing along mesh fences are commonly observed in captivity and this behavior has also been recorded for wild reptiles and amphibians when they encounter materials with a high transparency and percentage of open area.
The risk this poses to wild animals in comparison to those in captivity is very different. Increased pacing behaviors in the wild can cause animals to overheat and perish as well as unnecessarily expose themselves to predation. It can even encourage them to interact with fences more frequently in ways which could lead to entanglement or being able to climb over the top.
Snapping Turtle clawing at metal mesh as it walks along fence line. (1/4in hardware cloth.)
We also don’t truly understand if reptiles and amphibians can see or sense materials such as mesh or hardware cloth due to their composition of thin strands of material and a high transparency. Therefore, when a fence is designed to deter or guide animals to a safe location or wildlife crossing, it is important to ensure the right fence material and design is chosen to optimize its intended functionality.
Solid fences with a high opacity have been proven to significantly reduce pacing behaviors of animals. Animals have also been observed to move much faster along them or move quickly away into the safety of nearby habitat when compared to mesh and wire materials.
Lightweight plastic mesh with a high transparency and percentage of open area.