JACKSON, Wyo. — Richard and Kimberly Rathmann, a Texas couple who own property in Jackson Hole, are suing Teton County to remove new wildlife-friendly fencing regulations.
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, wildlife-friendly fencing is crucial to wildlife survival. Wildlife-friendly fencing is designed to keep livestock in while still allowing wildlife to pass through without harm.
Teton County and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation have partnered to help property owners comply with wildlife-friendly fencing regulations to increase wildlife protection. With the harsh winter that caused high mortality for big game species, supporting the spring migration of wildlife and protecting their access to summer range and resources is particularly important.
Teton County stipulates that “any new fencing must be no higher than 38 inches above the ground (42 inches for livestock control)…Buck and rail fencing is prohibited without a special purpose fencing exemption.”
The Rathmanns claim that the maximum fencing height is too low to contain their horses and are seeking to eliminate the government overreach on their property.
Teton County is trying to get the case dismissed.
