It has been estimated that tens of millions of kilometres of fences now divide the Australian landscape. Sixty five percent of these have barbed wire as the top strand.

More than 75 wildlife species have been identified in Australia as occasional or regular victims of barbed wire fences. Most are nocturnal animals, both mammals and birds. Gliding mammals such as the threatened Squirrel Glider and the Sugar Glider are particularly vulnerable. Flying-foxes, insectivorous microbats and nocturnal birds are also common victims, as are macropods – the wallabies and kangaroos. 

Many animals fail to see the fence or cannot clear the height under windy conditions.

Most of those rescued are too severely damaged to return to the wild, as is the case with many animals rescued by the NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service. Some of the lucky ones are able to be returned to the wild after being in care, while others are not so fortunate and have to be euthanased.  

Obviously, the ideal solution would be to remove all barbed wire, everywhere, immediately!

However, we all know that this is an impossible pipe dream.

Instead we have to work at informing people of the unintentional hazards of barbed wire, and encourage them to gradually remove any barbed wire they have on their properties. 

It always has been, and always will be, a difficult and slow process. The use of barbed wire has been entrenched on our farms for generations and  has always been part of our rural landscape - this won't be changed overnight. We must all, in our own small way, work towards having existing barbed wire removed, and discourage its use in new fencing.

 We must inform on the stock proof alternatives, so that there is an acceptable choice. A good source of information on alternative fencing is available at wildlifefriendlyfencing.com

Should you need advice or  help with injured or distressed wildlife, please ring the WIRES Rescue Number 1300 094 737.