Deer impaled and killed on spiked fence raises concern for wildlife-safe fencing
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- This story contains images and details regarding dead animals.
Locals are raising concerns after a KRDO13 viewer reported a deer that was impaled and killed on a spiked fence near Garden of the Gods Road and North 30th Street on Saturday, Aug. 15.
This stretch of fence runs outside Garden of the Gods Resort and Kissing Camels neighborhood.
Saraiya Kanning was walking on Palmer-Mesa Trail when she spotted the deer. The fence spike had gone through one of its thighs, while the other leg was stuck in the bars.
“I was horrified. I was sad. I cried," Kanning said. "I feel deeply connected to nature, and that’s what makes living on the west side of Colorado Springs worth it and so cool.”
She said several other walkers and bikers stopped out of concern. The deer was removed later that day.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said they see incidents like this in Colorado Springs on a monthly basis. CPW also said there have been similar issues involving deer on this particular stretch of fence.
CPW often works with the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County to review construction plans before new development begins, recommending wildlife-safe fencing.
CPW said this type of fencing with vertical spikes spaced closely together is not considered wildlife-safe.
“I hate to think that urban development is making this place unsafe for wildlife, especially when that’s why so many people want to move here," Kanning said. "I think we should want to protect that and safeguard that treasure that we have."
Kanning wrote to the RowCal, who manages Kissing Camels Home Owners Association and Garden of the Gods Resort, calling for changes to be made to the fencing.
“This is a major corridor for wildlife, and it needs to continue to be a place where they can have safe passage," Kanning said.
KRDO13 also reached out to RowCal and Garden of the Gods Resort regarding this story but hasn’t heard back.
The City of Colorado Springs said the fence does not violate any current code.
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