Coyotes are adaptable canids found across diverse North American landscapes. Their remarkable physical capabilities contribute to their thriving in various environments, including those shared with human populations. Their agility allows them to navigate complex territories and secure resources effectively. Understanding their physical prowess helps in coexisting with these canids.
Understanding Coyote Jumping Ability
Coyotes possess notable jumping abilities. From a stationary position, a coyote can jump 4 to 5 feet high. They can clear fences up to 6 feet high. With leverage, such as grabbing an object’s top with their front paws, coyotes can reach up to 8 feet.
Their climbing prowess further extends their ability to overcome obstacles. Coyotes use a two-phase technique: they spring up to grasp a fence top with their front paws, then use their hind legs to propel themselves over. This method allows them to scale chain-link fences, which offer footholds, to heights of 14 to 16 feet. Wooden fences can also be navigated if they provide imperfections or gaps for traction.
Factors Affecting Jump Height
Several factors can influence a coyote’s jumping performance. A coyote’s physical condition, including age, health, and muscle strength, directly impacts its athletic capabilities. Younger, healthier, and stronger individuals exhibit greater jumping prowess. Motivation also plays a significant role in how high or far a coyote will leap.
The nature of the barrier itself is another important consideration. A solid, smooth fence presents a different challenge than a chain-link or slatted fence. Fences offering toeholds or gripping points, like mesh or gaps, facilitate climbing higher than a purely vertical jump. The presence of a running start can also increase the height and distance a coyote can clear.
Reasons for Coyote Leaping
Coyotes engage in leaping behavior for various reasons, primarily driven by their instincts for survival and resource acquisition. One motivation is prey pursuit, where a coyote might jump over obstacles to track or ambush an animal. Their agility allows them to navigate diverse terrains efficiently while hunting.
Coyotes may also jump to escape threats or navigate their environment, such as moving through dense vegetation or over natural barriers. Accessing resources in human-occupied areas is another reason for leaping. This includes jumping fences to enter yards for food sources like pet food, fallen fruit, or unsecured garbage, or seeking shelter.
Securing Your Property Against Coyotes
Understanding a coyote’s jumping ability is important for securing property. Fences designed to deter coyotes should be at least 6 feet tall, with 7 to 8 feet recommended for enhanced security. This height makes it more difficult for coyotes to jump over directly.
Beyond height, specific design features can improve a fence’s effectiveness. Installing coyote rollers, cylindrical devices atop fences, prevents coyotes from gaining traction to pull themselves over. Burying the fence at least 12 inches deep with an outward-flaring wire apron or L-footer also prevents coyotes from digging underneath. Smooth, vertical fence surfaces without footholds also minimize climbing opportunities, creating a robust barrier against these agile animals.