Technology might provide the answer to an age-old Wyoming quandary — keeping cattle contained without putting too many fences in the path of migrating wildlife.

Three Sheridan-area ranches this year tried “virtual fencing” through a pilot program sponsored by the Sheridan Community Land Trust.

Cows are fitted with electronic collars that respond to signals transmitted through signal towers from the rancher’s phone.

The rancher configures an invisible, electronic perimeter through a phone app. Signals sent to the collars make them vibrate, telling the cows which direction to go.

If a cow strays too close to the virtual barrier, there can be consequences.

The collar will “transmit a sound to alert the cow of the boundary,” and then deliver an electric shock if the cow keeps pushing forw

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