Animals are notorious for being a common cause of utility pole damage. It turns out that the animals responsible for this act result from territorial behavior. Identifying the animals most likely to cause damage is essential to take preventative measures. One of the best ways to identify animals that cause damage is to examine available imagery captured by utility cameras mounted on poles. Here we will explore some of the top animals that cause damage to utility poles.
1. Squirrels
They are a common cause of pole damage. Their primary motivation is to make a new place to live. Utility poles present an easy solution. Squirrels are arboreal creatures that live in trees year-round and love to chew on wood. The most common utility poles are made from wood. This has made them a leading concern for damaging utility poles. In many instances, the pole itself has to be replaced due to the damage caused by squirrels.
2. Humans
We may not think of humans as animals, but they are. Like all animals, humans are territorial animals by nature. Humans are dangerous to utility poles because of their ability to use tools and complex machines. Human activities have grown more rampant because of the increasing population on Earth. This growth has led to more activities taking place around utility poles. The most common human cause of utility pole damage is tree trimming activities.
3. Woodpeckers
They are a significant cause of utility pole damage. They are known for their unique behavior involving excavating holes near utility poles. The holes created by woodpeckers are used as nesting sites. They also use the holes as an access point to the outside world.
4. Gray Foxes
The gray fox is a non-native species and an aggressive predator in North America. The gray fox has established populations in 18 states, and they are capable of utility poles. Their primary motivation is to make themselves one with natural resources. They are known for their unusual appearance that bears a resemblance to human beings.
5. Rats
They are the most common cause of utility pole damage around the world. Rats have a propensity for chewing on wood, electrical wires, and metal poles. They are also known for burrowing underground. These factors make them dangerous to utility poles. They can cause various problems, from chewing on cables to tripping the electrical lines that carry power along utility poles.
6. Gophers
Gophers are a significant cause of utility pole damage. They love to live underground, and they tend to chew on wood. The top concern with gophers is that they often burrow underground to attack the utility pole from below.
7. Raccoons
They are known for their love of both water and trees. They are also known for attacking and damaging utility poles. Their primary motivation is to establish a new habitat in areas close to water bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds.
There are a lot of animals that can cause damage to utility poles. The most important thing is to take preventative measures against this problem. Understanding the animals most likely to cause pole damage is essential.