Fencing Freedom: How 100 Miles of Scrap Barbed Wire Are Giving Wildlife Room to Roam

In a remarkable conservation effort, the nonprofit American Prairie has successfully removed its 100th mile of derelict barbed wire fencing across the Great Plains in Montana. This initiative has freed over 500,000 pounds of scrap metal and allowed local megafauna—think bison, elk, and mule deer—to wander without barriers. After years of growing their reserve to encompass over 600,000 acres, the organization’s long-term goal is to protect and rewild a staggering 2.3 million acres, making strides toward what could become America’s largest national park.

Replacing the old barbed wire is wildlife-friendly fencing that not only helps animals move freely but prevents bird collisions through the use of strategically placed markers. Imagine the future: herds of bison and deer unencumbered by wires snagging on their coats, all while fulfilling a much larger vision for conservation. This project isn’t just about taking down fences; it’s about creating a thriving ecosystem where wildlife can live more freely, picturing a landscape reminiscent of 8,000 BCE. It’s wild—and we need more of that, don’t we?