Does throwing a stick at an electrifiic fence really work?

So, it’s something I’ve wondered since I was a kid, and now have been reminded of thanks to the most awesome day off from work ever. Jurassic Park Trilogy Day

It’s one of those things I’ve tested, by throwing a stick. But nothing happenned and I didn’t really wanna grab hold of the chain link, ya know? I don’t see how it could work. Can anyone explain the reasoning? Or if it is a stupid silly lie, how did it become so prevalent? Where did the idea come from?