Coyotes are highly adaptable canids that have become common residents in urban and suburban landscapes. Their presence often raises concerns for homeowners, particularly regarding the safety of pets and property. Understanding their capabilities, especially concerning fences, helps in developing effective strategies for coexistence.
Coyote Jumping Capabilities
Coyotes possess remarkable athleticism, making them proficient jumpers. They can often clear a 4-foot fence, typically jumping 4 to 5 feet high from a stationary position. Their vertical jumping range can extend significantly under motivated circumstances.
Coyotes can clear fences up to 8 feet high by leaping. They employ a two-phase jumping technique, where they first grab the top of the barrier with their front paws for additional height, then use their hind legs to push off and bring their back paws onto the fence. This allows them to scale barriers up to 14 feet if they can get a running start or leverage. Factors influencing their jumping ability include age, physical condition, and fence material. Smooth fences offer less grip, while chain-link or horizontal supports can provide footholds, making them easier to scale.
Beyond Jumping Other Entry Methods
Beyond jumping, coyotes employ various other methods to bypass fences and enter properties. They are natural diggers and will readily excavate under fences, especially if motivated by food sources or curiosity. Coyotes can dig quickly and efficiently, with some able to dig 12-18 inches deep. This digging behavior can quickly render a fence ineffective if the barrier does not extend below ground.
Coyotes are also skilled climbers. They can scale chain-link fences by using the mesh for grip. Even wooden fences can be climbed if they offer imperfections or horizontal supports that coyotes can utilize as footholds. Furthermore, their flexible bodies allow them to squeeze through surprisingly small openings, with some coyotes able to navigate gaps as narrow as 3 to 4 inches. A seemingly secure fence might still have vulnerabilities that a determined coyote can exploit.
Securing Your Property Against Coyotes
To effectively deter coyotes, a multi-faceted approach to property security is beneficial. Increasing fence height is a primary step, with an 8-foot fence generally recommended for maximum protection against jumping. For existing fences, adding coyote rollers to the top can prevent them from gaining a foothold and climbing over. These cylindrical devices spin freely, denying coyotes the traction needed to get over the fence.
To address digging, burying fence mesh or adding L-footers along the bottom of the fence is highly effective. An L-footer involves extending wire mesh horizontally from the fence base, buried at least 12 inches deep, which creates a barrier coyotes encounter when attempting to dig. Sealing any small openings, such as gaps in fencing or under gates, is also important, as coyotes can exploit surprisingly tight spaces. Complementary measures include removing attractants like unsecured pet food, fallen fruit, or trash, and supervising pets, as these reduce the incentive for coyotes to approach your property.