Do raccoons climb fences?

Raccoons are able to climb wire and wood fences, or they may bypass them through overhanging limbs of shrubs or trees. The wire fences require having a mesh size which is not wider than 3 inches in order to ensure that the young raccoons are kept out.

In order to prevent the raccoons from accessing bird feeders or fruit trees, you should install a heavy plastic or metal barrier around the area. Consider that the raccoons may try to use nearby structures and trees in order to access the area found above each barrier.

If you want to prevent the raccoons from entering into roosts, then you should equip the poultry houses using well fitted doors and then secure them with a locking mechanism. The dexterous paws of a raccoon make it possible to open different containers, latches and fasteners.

The raccoon is able to climb walls or fencing and they are even able to reach something through the wire mesh if the entire body is not able to pass through. They can also dig under the fences or under the run.

If you want to ensure that the raccoons are kept out, use a wire mesh which can be securely attached since the raccoons may try to bend it. You should not try the chicken wire since it is not a good barrier against the predators. The raccoons or other predators may tear through it.

The raccoons are known to be smart and they are able to open even complex latches. However, this may not happen unless it is really starving and all the easy food is gone. The latches and the coop may require two or even more steps to keep the raccoons out. The raccoons are normally nocturnal animals, so you should be extra careful at night.

Go back to the How to Get Rid of Raccoons page or email us if you have any other questions about Do raccoons climb fences?