Possums are frequent visitors to many backyards, and their presence often leads to questions about their ability to navigate fences and other structures. Their climbing capabilities are remarkable, and this article will explore how they scale various barriers, and strategies to deter them from your property.
Possum Climbing Abilities
Possums are highly skilled climbers, adept at navigating natural and man-made structures. Their physical characteristics suit an arboreal lifestyle, enabling them to scale a wide range of surfaces. They possess strong, sharp claws that provide excellent grip on rough textures like tree bark or wooden fences. These claws offer sufficient traction without causing significant damage.
A distinguishing feature contributing to their climbing prowess is their prehensile tail, which functions like a fifth limb. This flexible tail is used for balance and stability, wrapping around branches or other objects to provide support while climbing. While young possums can briefly hang by their tails, adult possums primarily use them for stability and balance, with their legs performing the main work of climbing.
Their nimble paws, particularly their hind feet, feature an opposable “thumb” or hallux, allowing them to grasp objects firmly. This unique adaptation, combined with footpads that have ridges for improved traction, gives them an advantage on various surfaces. Their agility allows these nocturnal animals to jump from one object to another to access new areas.
Fence Types and Climbability
The effectiveness of a fence in deterring possums depends on its material and design. Possums can climb most surfaces that offer sufficient grip for their claws and paws. Wooden fences, with their rough texture, are easy for possums to scale, as the wood provides ample purchase for their claws. Similarly, chain-link fences present numerous gripping points, making them simple for possums to climb over.
Smooth surfaces, such as vinyl fences, metal, or clean brick and stone walls, pose more of a challenge for possums. Even these can be climbed if they have texture or gaps that allow for purchase. For instance, possums have been observed climbing concrete walls and certain types of textured home siding. A smooth, corrugated iron fence at least 1.2 to 1.5 meters high with a clean, uncluttered face can be difficult for them to climb or jump.
Wire mesh fences are climbable, but their design can be modified to deter possums. A “floppy wire” fence, which incorporates a section of wire mesh that bends outwards at the top, can prevent them from getting a stable hold and crossing over. This type of barrier relies on instability to discourage climbing.
Deterring Possums from Fences
Preventing possums from climbing fences involves implementing physical barriers and removing attractants. One effective method is to install smooth, slippery materials at the top of fences or around tree trunks. For instance, wrapping tree trunks with 18-inch wide metal sheeting, extending 5 to 6 feet high, can prevent climbing. Similar smooth barriers, like PVC pipes, can be added to the top of fences to make them unscalable.
Modifying existing fences can be helpful; adding plastic spikes along the top creates an uncomfortable surface that deters possums without causing harm. Installing a “floppy wire” extension, which makes the top of the fence unstable, is another strategy. Ensuring fences are at least 1.5 meters high can also reduce climbability, especially if the surface is smooth.
Removing any nearby climbing aids is an important step. Possums often use overhanging tree branches, trellises, or dense shrubs to access fences or roofs. Trimming these back ensures no easy pathways for them to bypass your fence. Removing attractants like unsecured trash cans, fallen fruit, pet food left outdoors, or birdseed can reduce their motivation to enter your yard. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and strong scents like garlic or ammonia, can also act as temporary deterrents.