$545,000 gates don't stop bison
Device designed to keep hoofed animals off bridge fail
Daniel Campbell
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, October 16, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Department of Transportation is scrambling to beef up security at the Deh Cho Bridge after a bison was spotted walking around newly-installed "Texas gates."
Texas gates usually consist of a metal grate placed over a shallow pit. The spaces between the grates need to be large enough so bison hooves will pass through them, but small enough so vehicles can drive over them.
The gates were put in about two weeks ago, costing $545,000 to build and install, according to the department. Earl Blacklock, spokesperson for the department, said they were designed specifically to deter bison from crossing—noting they differ from more common "cattle gates."
"Cattle gates would not be a satisfactory type of Texas gate for bison control since they are designed for the behaviour and hoof-print of cows rather than bison," Blacklock stated in an e-mail to Yellowknifer.
While he says the gates have been effective so far at stopping cattle from going over them, Blacklock admits they have one flaw - the bison simply go around them.
"The bison that crossed leaped over the guardrail beyond the Texas gates, something that was thought to be very unlikely."
Blacklock added the department is examining their options with regards to the guardrails along the $202-million bridge.
