Is Electric Fence for Coyotes Effective? What You Need to Know

Generally, electric fencing should keep wild animals out of your property, protecting your domestic animals in the fenced area.

Provided the electric fences are installed correctly, they will be an excellent physical barrier for keeping coyotes, wolves, and other predators away.

However, you can also add an electric poly tape or similar element to the fence & increase the safety of your restricted area. This way, you don’t have to remove the fence.

So, are you ready to learn how to keep coyotes out of your household and how to properly install an electric fence for coyotes?

Stay tuned.

How dangerous are coyotes?

Specific to North America, coyotes are the most widespread predators. They even outnumber their relatives – wolves and are more severe with the prey.

Some farmers state that they’re lucky enough to meet these carnivores only a few times, while others complain about often violent attacks that they cannot prevent.

A simple and effective solution against predators doesn’t exist. But, you can always take preventive measures and develop multiple strategies to be more effective.

An electric fence to keep coyotes away from your livestock might be the most effective. Let’s see.

Coyote’s primary targets are goats and sheep.

In almost all North American states, they might be tiny yet prosperous in predatory attacks on livestock and other powerless animals.

Calves are another primary target, especially when working in a cattle herd.

However, young lambs, calves, and similar livestock seem the quickest & easiest prey for a coyote. And not only them, but small dogs, poultry, and cats are also ideal for the beasts.

You might be surprised by the fact that coyotes attack crops.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, coyotes eat plant parts and larger fruits. So, for instance, they will destroy your watermelons.

With many available food types, it’s understandable why farmers have many unsatisfactory encounters with the beasts.

This was not such a severe problem in the past, but with various wildlife protection laws, farmers have severe issues with the carnivores.

And how to solve it? With an electric fence to keep predators away.

Will electric fencing deter the wild animal successfully?

Before any actions, remember that a coyote is an intelligent animal. Therefore, your fencing option must be adequate and well-installed to deter it correctly and prevent invasion.

So, a good start would be the complete examination of the electric fencing system.

You can choose between temporary and permanent electric fences, and some units might be more effective than others.

The most productive solution is to use an electric high-tensile fence line. It will provide the best protection to your livestock.

You will need a low-impedance charger to use the electric fence, between 4,000 and 5,000 volts.

Speaking of the fence chargers, the best one is the Gallagher S100 Solar Electric Fence Charger, but you can find other excellent products here and examine for the best fit.

Best electric fence models for keeping coyotes away

To correctly deter the beasts and protect your livestock fully, follow the basic recommendations below:

1. 7-wire structure and the 42-inch of fence height – the fence will deter coyotes in all areas with lower predator activities, still allowing deer and elk a safety passage
2. 7-wire construction with the 54-inch of fence height – the fences keep coyotes away from calves and lambs in areas known for lower or medium predator activities
3. 9-11 wire design & the 60-72-inch fence height – the most productive structure to deter beats from all areas with the highest predator activities.

Remember that a coyote is also excellent at digging to reach the cattle and target.

So, to control the situation and trick the animal, place the lowest electric wire no more than six inches above the ground.

Still, using the electric fence to chase away the carnivores, your work will be utterly futile unless you consider crucial factors regarding their behavior, including:

• jumping,
• ineffective electricity and voltage pulses due to their fur
• climbing and digging abilities.

If you don’t want your labor in vain, stick to the recommendations above for a smart design and correct fencing. Otherwise, say goodbye to your livestock and weak animals.

The same goes with the electric fence for wolves.

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How high should a fence be?

As the coyote is a tricky and unpredictable animal, remember it can jump up to three feet. It will undoubtedly try to climb over the fence at such a height.

To prevent this and keep your property fully protected, your fence must be at least 6 feet tall and placed a minimum of 1 foot below the ground level for optimal performance.

However, many farmers still claim that coyote attacks their dogs, cats, chickens, and other animals even with such prevention.

And sometimes even 7 feet tall fences cannot protect their house.

The main heck here is the height of the fencing model and what’s on the top of it.

If the fence is substantial, coyotes or other carnivores, such as wolves or bears, can climb it effortlessly.

But what if it’s slightly loose, though, and not railed at the top? Correct – the beasts can not climb over and reach your livestock.

The biggest drawback is the design.

I know it might sound crazy, but they don’t seem thick whenever I see fences. It’s their primary purpose.

Another interesting thing I discovered is placing different barriers outside the fence to prevent the invasion. I’ve already mentioned that coyotes are quick diggers.

To achieve maximum protection and the best production, ensure you camouflage the cattle panels with rocks and dirt & align them with the fencing bottom.

Are there alternatives?

For those with issues with the frequent movement of the animals – rotational grazing, or if the permanent electric fencing is not the best solution, you can also use fladry as an alternative.

As various wildlife experts for wolves state, farmers were able to install and chase the beasts away with the electric fence wolves.

However, their glory lasted for sixty days only.

So, they came up with a more productive solution – fladry.

Firstly intended to chase away wolves, experts claim that it works well with coyotes. But, to electrify the unit correctly, you need to use an excellent low-impedance fence charger.

Again, you can choose the Gallagher mentioned above unit or check other types at Amazon.

Without such a charger, the electrical fladry won’t be compelling enough when in contact with shrubs and trees.

However, you must know that this is only a short-term solution.

It cannot guarantee that your horses, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, and even rabbits will be safe and sound once the coyote attacks.

Simultaneously, you’ll ensure a safe passage to deer and elk.

Additionally, fladry has multiple drawbacks.

Significant issues include intensive labor and effort when posting it, availability, tangling, and extra installation costs. Therefore, it would help if you thought twice before the final decision.

Other fences to consider

• poly tapes – to protect your horse, for instance
• wire mesh fencing – also fruitful
• chain link fencing – more expensive than wires but more advantageous
• PVC fencing – cost-effective and constructive, but not for horses

Extra tips & tricks to chase coyotes away

There are multiple procedures to keep your pasture, house, and other areas safe and “clean” from these animals.

Take notes, and apply one of the following methods:

1. Protect your property and yourself

You can actively take part in keeping coyotes away from you and even your neighbors.

The first step is to place your property line correctly. After that, only your scent might be enough to scare different beasts away, including coyotes.

Another big plus is that you control the property and find potential weak places like holes to prevent digging.

Next, you can fix them before it’s too late.

Secondly, you can watch over the herd and scare off the beasts once you spot them. Although it may not prevent all snatches, it will be enough when deter them.

Besides, if coyotes approach the fence, you can make a loud noise and scare them off. The most effective way is banging pans and pots or blowing a whistle.

And, as they hate bright and shining light, you can use a flashlight to chase them away.

However, in various areas, coyotes have not protected animals. So, if you have no other choice, you might be allowed to shoot them.

Before taking any actions, please, examine all local and state laws, and know the areas and city limits.

Then, ensure you follow the rules; otherwise, you will have severe issues with the law.

2. Keep your pets and other animals inside a shelter

We’ve mentioned before that coyotes eat everything – from larger animals to the smallest ones, such as dogs, cats, or rabbits.

So, if you have them as pets, ensure they’re safe inside the household. It will also be adequate to prevent the beasts from being interested in your property.

3. Keep your household clean

Your property’s proper cleaning and maintenance will also be productive when deterring coyotes.

A clean and well-maintained estate won’t have hiding spots for an effortless invasion.

Ensure your garbage is tidily arranged, neat, and clean as possible.

Additionally, clean up your pets’ garbage, food, and water bowls, to prevent solid smells and attacks.

Finally, mow your lawn regularly to prevent hideouts.

4. Get guard animals

A guard animal nowadays seems the most effective measure for coyotes.

When choosing your guard dog, ensure the optional dogs are well-related to the farm work.

You can opt for various breeds, including Great Pyrenees, English sheepdogs, Dutch shepherds, Komondors, English shepherds, German shepherds, etc.

Now, if you have a Golden retriever, the dog won’t be effective in deterring the beats.

On the contrary, the carnivores will eat the dog; although it’s larger than typical smaller dogs, the beast attacks.

Regarding other guardians, you should look for donkeys, llamas, and alpacas to chase the predators away.

It would be best to avoid camelids, and when choosing the best animals, consider llamas and alpacas as they have an innate hatred towards the beasts.

5. Apply multiple repellents

Different natural repellents, including perfume, vinegar, cayenne pepper, or wolf urine, will be productive when deterring coyotes.

However, this is not a 100% effective solution, so do not rely simply on these things.

What happens if the animals don’t respond to the threat? Look for more reliable solutions.

6. Install water sprinklers

If animals hate one thing, it’s water.

So it would be best to get a motion-detecting sprinkler system to prevent the carnivores from entering your land.

Again, you can find various models on Amazon for affordable prices.

7. Install bright lights

Place different lights around your pasture or another area at night. Coyotes are famous for attacking at night.

But, your livestock will spot them before the attack.

8. Loud noise

You should opt for different devices producing loud sounds randomly, scaring the beasts away.

However, even loud radio sounds have proven effective for a short-term period against carnivores.

You can also check the so-called propane exploders – devices that create explosions and control the predator’s approach.

One such unit is the Sonic Sentinel M14-1 Propane Sound Cannon & Tripod Bird Deterrent.

9. Scarecrow signs

These units will show the presence of humans and make coyotes too nervous to attack.

You can park your old trucks or similar vehicles in the pasture and move them to another place the next day for more effect.

Conclusion

That’s it, farmers. We’ve covered all you need to know about the electric fence for coyotes.

The best way to control them from invading your land is to keep your fencing optimal and regularly maintain and clean it.

Don’t forget to check the voltage and power sources, wire spacing, critters, and wires to protect your animals from attack.

It would be best if they remained in the woods; however, you can be prepared in advance if they visit often.