11/03/09

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) _ A new report says barbed-wire fence can be
deadly to sage grouse, a chicken-like bird found in 11 Western
states that's being considered for endangered species protection.

A recent Wyoming Game and Fish Department study found evidence
of 146 cases of sage grouse flying into a nearly five-mile section
of barbed wire fence over a seven-month period.

Study leader Tom Christiansen says researchers often found dead
sage grouse near grouse feathers on barbed wire. He says it's
likely other grouse struck the same fence and died elsewhere.

The department is experimenting with ways to make barbed wire
fences more visible to sage grouse.

Sage grouse are found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana,
North Dakota, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota and
Wyoming, as well as in Canada.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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