In my current fortress Goblin ambushes are more of a threat than goblin sieges. The ambushes often are on or across my short drawbridge before I detect them. How can I detect these attacks earlier (and preferably on the other side of my bridge)?
Early detection of ambushes
dwarf-fortress
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Best Answer
Cage traps are probably the easiest way, especially if you set up walls or other constructions that limit the path the gobs have to take to get to your bridge. Of course, traps are less effective if you have to cover a large area. (Also, if using traps, note that stonefall and weapon traps do work on ambushers, but do not display the ambush warning to alert you. Cage traps do.)
Another option is to chain up animals around the area you want to cover. War animals are preferred since they might actually do some damage, but any tame animal will trigger the warning when the ambushers come into its view.
A more ambitious alternative is to lock up your animals in towers. You can then access them by tunnel and need not worry about losing your animals.