C E R T A L E R T 

ADVISORY       CAUTIONARY      NON-DIRECTIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT AIRPORT WILDLIFE SPECIALIST, AAS-317 (202) 267-3389

DATE: 	December 12, 2002	No. 02-09	
TO: 	Airport Operators, FAA Airport Certification Safety Inspectors, Airport Wildlfie Biologist	
TOPIC: 	Alternative Deer Fencing 	

There is little doubt that the rapidly increasing deer populations represent a serious threat to both General Aviation and Commercial Aircraft.  It is currently estimated that there over 26 million deer in the United States.  Because of increasing urbanization and rapidly expanding deer populations, deer are adapting to human environments, especially around airports, where they often find food and shelter. 

The best and most practical way of keeping deer and other wildlife off of airports is with fencing.  Generally, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends installing a 10 foot chain link fence topped with 3 strands of barbed wire, and with a 4-foot skirt attached to the bottom of the fence.  The fence skirt should be buried at a 45o angle on the outside of the fence.  This fencing configuration is the most effective for keeping deer and other wildlife off an airport.  This type of fencing also greatly increases airport security.
     
However, when installation of chain link fencing is not feasible due to cost or environmental impacts, other types of fencing may be installed.  Cost alone is not an acceptable reason for rejecting the use of chain link fencing. 

In some cases, electric fencing may offer a practical alternative to the use of chain link fencing.  Recent improvements in fencing components and design have greatly increased the effectiveness and ease of installation of electric fences.  Tests by the USDA, National Wildlife Research Center have shown that some 4 to 6-foot, 5 to 9-strand electric fences designs can be 99% effective at stopping deer.  Installation of some of the new electric fences require neither specialized equipment or training and can be accomplished by airport personnel.

In limited situations, using non-conductive, composite, frangible electric fence post and fence conductor, it may be possible to install electric fence closer to the aircraft movement area that would normally be allowed with standard chain link fencing material.   

  	OSB				        12 December 2002
Benedict D. Castellano
Airport Safety and Operations	Date