How to Build a Wooden Coyote Fence
Coyotes do not jump fences in a single leap; instead, they grab the top of the fence and use their hind legs to kick themselves over. To protect against this maneuver, homeowners must build fences that prevent coyotes from obtaining this grasp.
Traditional coyote fences, once used to corral livestock and protect gardens, use their irregular tops to repel coyotes. However, they don't prevent coyotes from digging under them, so they should be used merely as rustic privacy fences. True coyote prevention requires installing an different type of fence. With some planning and effort, you can build either type of coyote fence.
Things You Will Need
- Wooden fence posts
- Latilla (upright) poles
- Handsaw or table saw
- Posthole digger or auger
- Gravel
- Concrete
- 2-by-6-inch boards
- Nails or screws
- Wood preservative (optional)
- Galvanized wire (optional)
- 2-by-4-inch boards
- Heavy-duty bolts and nuts
- Woven wire fencing
Tip
For the best durability, use redwood or cedar for your traditional coyote fence's posts and railings. Latilla options include juniper, aspen, cedar, spruce, pine, bamboo and corkbark. Peel bark off latillas, or leave them unpeeled for a more rustic look. Choose posts and latillas that coordinate or contrast in colors, because both will be seen in the finished fence. You can purchase commercial rollers that fit on the top of the fence, which prevent a coyote from obtaining an adequate grip and cause the animal to roll backward, away from the fence.
Warning
Use care when working with saws and other tools. Wear safety goggles and make sure a first-aid kit is available in case of emergencies.
Traditional Coyote Fence
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Select the desired height for your fence. Cut the fence posts 2 feet taller than the fence height, using your handsaw or table saw. Cut the latillas -- the upright poles -- to varying sizes, from 6 inches to 2 feet taller than your fence height.
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Dig holes for your fence posts 2 1/2 feet deep, using your posthole digger or auger. Pour 6 inches of gravel into each hole.
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Insert the posts into holes and make sure they're straight, using a level. Mix concrete according to the label directions. Pour the concrete into each posthole. Allow it to set, following the concrete package recommendations.
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Attach the fence railings to back of the fence posts. Nail or screw two or three railings between each pair of posts to support the latillas, depending on the fence height.
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If desired, treat posts and rails with wood preservative.
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Attach Latillas to front of fence, between fence posts. Stand each pole against fence railings and secure in place with nails, screws or wire. Place poles snugly against fence posts but slightly apart from each other along railings. If poles have bends, select neighboring poles that fill in the gaps for continuity. Keep pole tops irregular—no two of the same height should be together.
Alternative Fence
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A coyote-proof fence must be 5 to 7 feet tall. Cut the fence posts to the desired height, plus 2 feet.
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Determine desired option for preventing coyotes from digging under the fence. If you elect to extend the fence below ground level, dig a trench along fence line at least 8 inches deep.
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Dig holes for fence posts 2½ feet deep. Pour 6 inches of gravel into each hole. Insert posts into holes; pour in concrete and allow to set.
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Cut 2-by-4 boards into 18-inch lengths. Bolt extension boards to the top of each fence post, angled outwards between 20 and 35 degrees.
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Attach woven wire to fence posts and extensions. Extend wire below ground level if desired; fill in trench. If you're not extending the fence below the ground, fold about 15 inches of wire outwards at ground level to make an apron around the base of the fence.
The Drip Cap
- Coyotes do not jump fences in a single leap; instead, they grab the top of the fence and use their hind legs to kick themselves over.
- Traditional coyote fences, once used to corral livestock and protect gardens, use their irregular tops to repel coyotes.
- Cut the fence posts 2 feet taller than the fence height, using your handsaw or table saw.
- Pour 6 inches of gravel into each hole.
- Mix concrete according to the label directions.
- Stand each pole against fence railings and secure in place with nails, screws or wire.
- Attach woven wire to fence posts and extensions.
- Extend wire below ground level if desired; fill in trench.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Brazos County, Texas, Jennifer Wiginton has been writing and editing since 1989. She has published two cookbooks and articles in “The Joyful Woman” and “The Common Bond.” Wiginton has two degrees and a Certificate in Homeland Security from Texas A&M University.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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