Coyotes are becoming more of an issue in urban areas as well as rural ones. More people are coming into contact with these astute dogs as cities grow. Coyotes can jump easily, run up to 45 miles per hour, and weigh about 30 pounds. They pose a severe risk to both suburban homes and livestock owners because they are omnivores that may devour anything from produce to tiny pets.
How do you safeguard your property, then? To keep coyotes out, a strong fence is necessary. A well-constructed fence can prevent your pets and livestock from becoming coyote prey, regardless of whether you own acres of countryside or a backyard in the city.
A Coyote Fence: What Is It?
A hefty steel mesh fence that is at least 12 inches deep in the ground to discourage digging and high enough (or equipped with Coyote Rollers) to prohibit jumping is known as a coyote fence. Homeowners in some places even cover their livestock with a top!
Coyote-Proof Protection
So, how can you live with a beast that wants to eat your beloved Pomeranian? To keep safe, Fido will require both fencing and supervision. The solution is to build him a chain link run or a six-sided steel mesh that includes the top and bottom. You’ll need high gauge material since coyotes may slit through chicken wire and dig under fences. Another option is to use a wire apron that extends four to six feet around the bottom of your fence. Electric fencing is used by some houses, but it can zap your Pomeranian rather than the coyote. Think about our livestock fence line.
Rollers for Coyotes
Aluminum cylinders called coyote rollers are fastened to the top of your fence. Despite their seeming ability to float, coyotes actually lift themselves up the fence with their front paws, touch the top of the fence with their rear paws, and then push off. Wiley loses his toe hold when you fasten a roller to your fence. Coyote rollers are compatible with a variety of fence materials, such as chain link, vinyl, wrought iron, and wood. Make sure your fence is at least six feet high. The coyote might simply sail over the roller if it were any shorter.
Livestock and Coyotes
Coyotes are responsible for 61 percent of lost lambs and 65 percent of calf and cattle losses to predators, according to the USDA. Coyotes target newborns, the weak or the aged. In addition to net-wire or electric fence, you can also protect your cattle by putting lights above corrals. In particular, strobe lights. Strobe lights are a huge annoyance to coyotes. Donkeys, large dogs, and llamas are all excellent guards. In order to prevent coyotes from being enticed to scavenge, promptly remove any dead animals. Limit your animals to coyote-proof corrals at night if at all possible.
🛠 What This Is About
Coyotes roam into urban neighborhoods. They prey on pets and livestock. A coyote-proof fence can protect your animals and property.
🧱 How It Works
- Coyotes weigh around 30 lb, can run up to 45 mph, and jump easily.
- Urban expansion means coyotes now live in cities too.
- A fence can stop jumping, climbing, digging, and slipping through.
- Popular style: latilla fence bound with wire. Some use mesh, wire apron, and rollers.
📋 Materials or Tools Needed
- Steel woven or welded wire mesh (2″×4″ or smaller)
- Latillas (round logs), posts, baling or wire mesh clips
- Optional: electric wires or coyote rollers
- Tools: post-setting tools, digging for apron, pliers, gloves
⚙ Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Set posts in place with proper spacing.
- Attach steel mesh or latillas to posts. Use sturdy clips or wire.
- Make fence at least 6 ft high, preferably 5½–6 ft, or even 8 ft in high coyote areas.
- Bury bottom 12–18 in underground, or use L‑shaped buried apron 8–15 in outwards.
- Add angled overhang or roller at top to prevent climbing.
- Ensure mesh openings ≤ 2″×4″ (or ≤ 1″).
- Reinforce gate bottoms and corners. Use mesh under gates and overlap.
- Consider electric wires: bottom wire ~6 in above ground; multiple live/ground wires up to 9–11 strands.
- Trim vegetation along fence. Keep bottom and top clear for inspections.
- Regular inspections. Patch dig spots and fix damage fast.
✅ Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Stops digging, climbing, jumping, squeezing under fence | High cost, complex installation |
| Durable wire mesh or latilla plus reinforcement creates full barrier | Electric fencing needs maintenance and power |
| Rollers or overhang stop clever climbers | Coyotes adapt over time |
| Invisible barrier, maintains yard aesthetics | Latillas need quality installation to avoid rotting |
| Proven effective in urban and rural settings | May feel prison‑like with overhangs and rollers |
🔍 Compared with Similar Methods or Products
- Grid metal mesh or welded wire fences: effective, long-life, fine mesh prevents squeezing through.
- Electric fences alone: work well in open areas but weak without physical barrier. Best used combined.
💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using chicken wire or wide mesh—it’s too flimsy and large-eyed.
- Skipping the buried apron or trench—coyotes dig under easily.
- Ignoring gate edges and corners—major vulnerability points.
- Installing rollers only on parts of fence—it must cover full perimeter.
👷 Who Should Use This
- Homeowners with pets or small livestock facing coyote threats
- Urban or suburban residents seeing coyotes creeping into yards
- Anyone ready to invest in long-lasting protection
🧰 Expert Tips
- Install coyote rollers or angled overhangs across full fence top.
- Use high-tensile, galvanized wire mesh with small openings.
- For energy boost, run electric wires top and bottom with alternating live/ground strands.
- Inspect fence weekly, trim brush near bottom, fix holes fast.
📌 Quick Facts
- Coyotes can jump 6 ft barriers easily—and sometimes up to 8 ft.
- Buried apron or skirt prevents digging. Ideal depth is 12–18 in.
- Cost per foot: DIY latilla fences using latillas ~ $20 ft for wood only; full install ranges $23–36 ft.
- Latilla fences, properly built, can last 50+ years in dry climates.
How to Build a Coyote Fence
| Fencing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Barbed Wire | Overview
Design Enhancement
Woven Wire
|
| Coyote Roller | Functionality
Comparison
|
| Electric Fence | Effectiveness
Design Recommendations
Professional Guidance
|
| General Fencing Guidelines | Height and Structure
Underground Network
|
How to Put up a Fence to Prevent Coyotes
Preparedness and the Materials
Prior to beginning the digging process, it is essential to plan. In order to construct a fence against coyotes, you will require the following materials:
These are the posts that sup
port your fence and serve as its backbone. Use materials that are strong, such as steel or wood that has been treated.All of the brackets, screws, and ties that are used to secure the fencing material are included in the accessories and hardware category.
Cross-over Choosing a fence that has more material at the base so that it can overlap and be pinned to the ground is recommended. This prohibits digging at all.
Tools for the Prevention of Digging: For the purpose of preventing coyotes from tunnelling under, ground stakes or wire aprons are absolutely necessary.
Height of the Fence: Aim for a height of at least six feet. Additional safety is provided by fences that are up to eight feet tall.
It is recommended that a metal chew barrier be installed at the base of the poly fence if it is available.
A Step-by-Step Setting Up Procedure
Configure Your Materials for the Fencing: To get started, arrange all of your supplies in a rectangular pattern along the perimeter of the area that you want to secure. Make certain that you have sufficient overlap fencing to cover the full boundary.
Install Posts for the Fence:
Using these No-Dig Sleeves will make the installation process simple and speedy.
In order to ensure stability, space the posts eight to ten feet apart.
Fix the Posts: Using a level, check that the posts are in a vertical position.
You should install post collars because they provide additional stability to your fence posts, particularly in regions where the soil is loose.
Establish the Cabling System: When it comes to poly fences, a cabling system facilitates the maintenance of a tight fence. Cables should be attached to both the top and bottom of the posts here.
Installation of the Bottom Layer and the Development of a Dig Guard:
Position the additional fencing material so that it is flat on the ground and extends outward from the fence. This is known as overlap fencing. Utilise ground stakes to secure it in place.
Installing a metal barrier at the base of the device is recommended in order to prevent gnawing.
Employing flexible fence materials to contour over uneven terrain is an effective method for installing over boulders and other obstacles. In order to avoid gaps, secure it tightly.
In order to install the Climb Guard and the Top Layer: Make sure the fence reaches the height that you want it to be. A climb guard should be installed on poly fences in order to make it difficult for coyotes to scale the fence.
The overlap fencing should be secured with additional ground stakes to guarantee that there is no space for coyotes to dig through. Additionally, the dig guard should be finished after the ground stakes have been installed.
Connect to House and Other Structures: In order to eliminate any gaps, you need make sure that the fence connects into your house or any other structures in a seamless manner.
Protect Other Areas: If you have decks or other areas that are susceptible to damage, you should try to secure these areas by extending the fencing or utilising additional barriers.
Through the implementation of these methods, you will be able to construct a sturdy fence that is capable of efficiently preventing unwanted creatures from entering your property and protecting your pets.
Conclusion
This guide has explored what a coyote fence is, why it’s essential for pet and livestock safety, and how different fencing methods—like barbed wire, woven mesh, electric fencing, and coyote rollers—can help deter these crafty predators. We also covered design strategies, protection for livestock, and general fencing guidelines. For more practical tips to protect your property and animals, stick with Buildersviller.