ANCHORAGE, Alaska— The mayor of Anchorage, Alaska, has vetoed an ordinance passed to protect moose from impaling themselves on fences with metal spikes.
KTUU-TV reports that the ordinance approved last week banned new palisade fences less than 7 feet tall. Spiked fences now in place would have had to be removed within five years.
Former Department of Fish and Game biologist Rick Sinnott (SIN’-it) says spiked fences impale roaming moose two or three times per year. He says the animals instinctively jump over low obstacles.
Mayor Dan Sullivan says the number of moose wounded or killed by the fencing is “very, very low.” He says the cost of cutting the spikes or replacing fencing outweighs the benefits of saving a few moose.
He says safer driving habits would save more moose.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.