Evaluation of an electrified mat as a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) barrier

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) pose economic and safety problems for agricultural and transportation industries. We tested an electronic mat to determine if it would reduce deer crossing through fence openings. We measured deer intrusions and corn consumption at five sites with charged mats and five sites with non-charged mats. Weekly intrusions at treated sites decreased an average of 95% from pre-treatment. Weekly intrusions at control sites were reduced 60% during weeks 1 and 2 and increased to 10% reduction by week 6. Weekly corn consumption at treated sites decreased from pretreatment through all treatment weeks. Weekly corn consumption at control sites decreased in weeks 1-4 and 6 but was not different from pre-treatment in week 5. Consumption remained higher than expected at treated sites because deer jumped over or broke through the fence that delineated sites. Based upon the conditions and results of this test, we believe that electrified mats could reduce deer passage through fence openings.