Death on the High Wire

Warning!

This blog contains images which will upset you.

Many animals die on barbed wire fences every year. Bats and owls are the main victims.

This gliding possum, probably a Squirrel Glider, Petaurus norfolcensis, ran into the top wire of this gate and died a long painful death.

You can see how its gliding membrane became wrapped around the wire as it struggled to get loose.
The irony is that this farmer has wildlife friendly fencing. See the top wire on the fence is a plain, non-barbed wire. It was only the gate which had the barbs on the top wire.