Wildlife Protection Program

Since the 1970s, Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., has recognized the importance of protecting wildlife from electrocution on electric lines. What began as an awareness effort has grown into a comprehensive Wildlife Protection Program, now a key part of our commitment to system reliability and environmental stewardship.

Our approach focuses on protecting all wildlife species — including birds of prey, whooping cranes, raccoons, squirrels, snakes, and small birds — with two primary goals:

• Preserving valuable wildlife resources, and
• Improving electric system reliability for our members.

Proven Protection Measures

In the early 1980s, WECI began installing insulated, rubber-like bushing covers on transformer bushings in areas frequented by squirrels and birds of prey. These covers significantly reduced wildlife-related electrocutions and helped improve system reliability.

By the late 1980s, we identified wildlife — particularly snakes and raccoons attempting to reach sparrow nests — as the leading cause of substation outages. In response, WECI implemented an aggressive sparrow nest removal program, which remains in place today. As a result, wildlife-related substation outages affecting thousands of members are now extremely rare.

Though the 1990s and beyond, we continued expanding these efforts by installing thousands of insulated bushing covers, adding insulated jumper wire tubing, and improving electric line construction methods.

Targeted Solutions for Specific Wildlife

• Birds of prey: Deterrent triangles and raptor perches were tested along a 25-mile electric line corridor near Holcomb and Scott City, Kansas. While perches had limited success, deterrent triangles proved effective on complex structures by discouraging birds from landing in hazardous areas.
• Raccoons: Installing sheet metal barriers around poles approximately 15 feet above ground has been highly effective in preventing raccoons from climbing into energized equipment.
• Squirrels: Protecting squirrels is important not only for system reliability, but also because many members value these animals in their communities and backyards.
• Gophers: In areas known for rodent activity, all underground electric lines are installed in protective conduit to prevent damage from gnawing animals.

Our Ongoing Commitment

We remain committed to balancing reliable electric service with responsible wildlife protection. These efforts help reduce outages, protect animals, and support the communities we serve.

If you have questions about our wildlife protection measures or procedures, please contact Member Services at memberservices@weci.net.