Seeing a coyote or bobcat in your backyard isn’t just unsettling – it’s a serious safety concern for your family and pets. At Local Choice Fence, we’ve gotten dozens of calls from worried homeowners asking about wildlife protection, specifically whether coyotes can jump fences or if bobcats can clear a 6-foot fence.

Coyotes can jump surprisingly high—most healthy adult coyotes are capable of clearing fences up to 6 feet tall. Some particularly athletic specimens might even manage 7 feet under the right conditions.

Think that’s impressive? Bobcats are even more capable jumpers. These powerful felines can easily clear a 6-foot fence; some have been documented jumping as high as 12 feet when motivated. Not exactly reassuring news for property owners.

Understanding Wildlife Jumping Capabilities

Coyotes have developed remarkable jumping abilities through evolution. Their powerful hind legs allow them to:

Clear vertical heights of 6-7 feet
Leap horizontal distances up to 13 feet
Scale chain-link fences with surprising ease
Exploit any slight footholds or angles

Bobcats possess even more impressive athletic abilities:

Vertical jumps of 12 feet or more
Exceptional climbing skills
Ability to launch from nearby objects
Superior balance and agility

Creating Effective Barriers

Based on our experience installing wildlife deterrent fencing, we’ve found that height alone isn’t always the answer. A properly designed wildlife fence needs several key features.

The height should be at minimum 6 feet, but 8 feet is better for areas with persistent wildlife issues. We typically recommend starting with solid panels at the bottom 3-4 feet.

Adding a coyote roller or barrel roll at the top helps prevent both species from getting the grip they need to climb over. These rotating cylinders make it much harder for animals to get the traction they need to climb over.

The bottom of the fence requires special attention too. We recommend burying the fence material at least 12 inches deep or installing an L-footer that extends outward at least 15-18 inches.

Material Choices Matter

Different fencing materials offer varying levels of protection.

Chain link fencing, while economical, isn’t ideal for wildlife protection. Both coyotes and bobcats can climb it fairly easily. Plus, they can see through it, which might encourage them to attempt crossing.

Solid privacy fencing (wood or vinyl) works better since it blocks the animal’s view of potential prey or interesting areas. This often reduces their motivation to attempt jumping.

We’ve had great success with hybrid designs – solid panels on the bottom with mesh or lattice on top. This combination maintains airflow and visibility for homeowners while still deterring wildlife.

Additional Protection Measures

Fence height and design are just part of the solution. We’ve learned that effective wildlife protection requires a multi-faceted approach.

Remove attractants from your yard. Both coyotes and bobcats are opportunistic hunters attracted to small prey. Bird feeders, pet food, and water sources can draw them in.

Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can startle these predators. While not foolproof, they add another layer of protection.

Regular maintenance checks are crucial. Even small gaps or loose boards can provide enough of an opening for determined wildlife to exploit.

Cost Considerations

A properly installed wildlife deterrent fence isn’t cheap – expect to pay between $25-45 per linear foot depending on materials and features. But considering the potential cost of lost pets or livestock, most of our clients find it’s worth the investment.

In some situations a cost-effective approach can be upgrading existing fencing rather than complete replacement. This can include adding height extensions, rolling bars, or L-footers.

Real-World Results

In our experience installing wildlife deterrent fencing across various neighborhoods, we’ve seen significant success rates. One recent project involved a property backing up to a nature preserve. After installing an 8-foot privacy fence with coyote rollers, the homeowners reported zero wildlife incursions over 18 months.

Another client had recurring issues with bobcats until we installed a combination of solid panels and mesh tops reaching 10 feet. The property has remained secure since installation.

Practical Recommendations

Based on years of experience, here’s what we typically recommend:

For areas with occasional wildlife sightings, a well-designed 6-foot privacy fence with proper bottom protection might suffice. But for properties with regular wildlife activity, go higher – 8 feet minimum.

Don’t skimp on materials or installation. Proper post depth, concrete footings, and quality materials make all the difference in long-term effectiveness.

Consider your specific situation – proximity to natural areas, local wildlife patterns, and property layout all affect what solution will work best.

Regular inspections and maintenance ensure your wildlife barrier remains effective. Check for signs of digging or damage at least monthly.

The reality is, while no fence is completely foolproof against determined wildlife, proper design and installation dramatically reduce the risk of unwanted animal visitors. Your specific needs might vary, but these guidelines provide a solid starting point for protecting your property from both coyotes and bobcats.