Coyotes are increasingly common residents in various environments, including suburban and urban areas. Their presence often raises concerns for homeowners, particularly regarding their ability to enter residential properties. A frequent question is whether these animals can jump fences, crucial for securing a yard.
Coyote Jumping Capabilities
Coyotes possess notable agility and physical strength, enabling them to clear considerable heights. From a standing position, a coyote can typically jump between 4 to 6 feet. However, their jumping prowess is often enhanced by a two-phase technique where they first spring upward, grab the top of a barrier with their front paws, and then use their hind legs to propel themselves over. With a running start or leverage from nearby objects, coyotes can overcome barriers reaching heights of 8 feet, and in some instances, even 14 to 16 feet, especially with chain-link fences that offer footholds. Several factors influence a coyote’s jumping ability, including its age, physical condition, motivation, and the type of fence.
Why Coyotes Enter Yards
Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, often entering residential properties for resources, primarily food. Common attractants include pet food left outdoors, unsecured trash cans, and compost piles. Fallen fruit from trees, vegetable gardens, and even spilled birdseed can also draw them in by attracting smaller prey animals like rodents. Beyond food, coyotes seek accessible water sources, particularly during dry periods, such as birdbaths, pet water bowls, or standing water. Yards also offer potential shelter and cover through overgrown bushes, dense landscaping, woodpiles, unused sheds, or decks, providing spaces where coyotes can move undetected.
Common Coyote Entry Methods
While jumping is a notable capability, coyotes use various methods to bypass fences. They are skilled climbers, especially on fences that provide footholds; chain-link fences are particularly easy for coyotes to scale to significant heights, and wooden fences with horizontal braces or imperfections can also be climbed. Coyotes are also persistent diggers and will excavate beneath fences to create passageways into desired areas. If a fence has gaps or existing openings, such as open gates or pet doors, coyotes will readily use these to gain access. They are adept at squeezing through small spaces.
Securing Your Property
Physical Barriers
Effective property security against coyotes involves a multi-faceted approach addressing their various entry methods and motivations. Fences should be at least 6 to 8 feet tall to deter jumping attempts, with smooth materials that offer few climbing footholds. To prevent coyotes from climbing over, installing coyote rollers—cylindrical devices that spin at the top of the fence—can prevent them from gaining a grip. To counter digging, fences should extend at least 12 inches underground, ideally with an L-shaped mesh barrier or wire apron flared outward at the base.
Attractant Removal and Hazing
Removing attractants is a fundamental step in deterring coyotes. This includes securing all trash in animal-proof containers, feeding pets indoors, and promptly cleaning up any fallen fruit or pet waste. Clearing dense brush, woodpiles, and other potential hiding spots in the yard reduces available shelter. If a coyote is spotted on the property, hazing techniques can be employed to reinforce their natural fear of humans. This involves being loud and assertive by yelling, waving arms, using noisemakers, or throwing small objects towards them until they leave the area.