Coyotes are highly adaptable and intelligent animals that have successfully integrated into residential areas. Their presence often raises concerns among homeowners about property security and pet safety. Understanding their capabilities is important for mitigating potential issues.
Coyote Climbing Abilities
Coyotes possess remarkable agility, allowing them to overcome many types of fences. They are capable of impressive vertical leaps, with some observed jumping as high as 8 feet. Their jumping technique often involves a two-phase process: grabbing the top with front paws, then pushing off with hind legs. This enables them to scale fences up to 14 to 16 feet high, especially with leverage or footholds.
Beyond jumping, coyotes are also skilled climbers. They can readily scale chain-link fences by using the mesh as footholds. Even wooden fences are not always a complete deterrent, as coyotes may find imperfections or supports to gain purchase. Their intelligence helps them identify weak points or opportunities to breach a barrier.
Why Coyotes Breach Fences
Coyotes are opportunistic animals, primarily motivated by access to resources. Common attractants include pet food left outdoors, unsecured trash, fallen fruit, and small domestic animals like poultry, cats, or small dogs. They may also seek water sources or sheltered areas suitable for denning. The lure of these resources drives their persistent attempts to cross barriers.
In addition to climbing or jumping, coyotes employ other methods to breach property boundaries. They are known for strong digging capabilities, excavating beneath fences to create passageways. This can be effective if the fence does not extend deep enough into the ground. Coyotes can also squeeze through surprisingly small gaps or openings in fences.
Securing Your Property
To effectively deter coyotes, a multi-faceted approach to property security is beneficial. Increasing fence height is a primary step, with recommendations suggesting a minimum of 8 feet for maximum protection. Adding extensions or a top portion angled inward can further prevent climbing. Coyote rollers, cylindrical devices installed along the top of a fence, prevent coyotes from getting a stable grip to pull themselves over.
Addressing the base of the fence is important to prevent digging. Installing L-footers, sections of wire mesh buried horizontally and extending outwards from the fence base, can deter coyotes from tunneling underneath. Alternatively, burying wire mesh at least 12 inches deep along the fence line creates an effective underground barrier.
Removing attractants from the yard reduces the incentive for coyotes to attempt entry. This includes securing trash cans, feeding pets indoors, and promptly clearing fallen fruit. General deterrents like motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle coyotes. Regular inspection of your fence for any weak points, gaps, or damage is also crucial.