Can Foxes Climb Well? (Explainer: Fences, Walls, Trees)

Can Foxes Climb Well

Foxes are excellent climbers. Furthermore, they are excellent jumpers, and some have been observed to jump as high as six feet. Most foxes, however, can only jump up to three feet.

Foxes can climb fences extremely quickly. They have sharp claws, and they are also mentally sharp. It is why foxes are called sly animals—they can think of a way to solve their problems.

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Can Foxes Climb Brick Walls?

Yes, foxes can climb brick walls. If one thinks of how a dog jumps and uses its hind legs to push itself up on a wall, foxes can do the same.

Walls are not as effective to foxes as it is to other animals. The average height that a fox can jump is three feet. Given that they have powerful claws, they can use that to hold on to the brick wall and then push themselves up.

Related Article: What Colors Can Foxes Be?

Can Foxes Climb Trees?

Yes, they can climb trees. Foxes have been spotted climbing trees in Australia. Particularly, it is the European red fox that does this.

This fox was introduced in Australia back in the 1800s. It has decimated many wild animals suchas the bilbies, numbats, and wallabies. Today, these foxes are targeting koalas.

There was a time when people thought that tree-dwelling animals were safe from foxes. However, the red fox was spotted in Australia sniffing out animals that have taken a drink from a fountain.

Although red foxes rarely climb trees in Europe, Australia is a different game. The Eucalyptus trees where the koala lives are easy to climb.

Eventually, when foxes master this skill, which is to climb trees, it will endanger other animals. Below are some examples:

  • Possums
  • Baby koalas
  • Sugar gliders

These animals are not in the position to defend themselves against foxes. If no action is taken, these animals can be wiped out.

Can Foxes Climb Chicken Wire?

Not only can foxes climb a chicken wire, but they can also go through it. Foxes can chew through the chicken wire and get in.

Chicken wire is not a material that one should you to protect poultry against a predator. A chicken wire is great for keeping chickens in but not good for keeping predators out.

Since foxes can also climb chicken wire, or a metal screen or wire, it is advisable that the chicken coop must have a roof.

Foxes also dig, so the chicken coop must have a wooden floor. If the chicken coop sits on the soil, the fox can dig and go through the other side easily.

Can Foxes Climb Tall Fences?

Yes, foxes can climb tall fences. On average, a fox can climb a fence that is six feet high. Because a fox has strong legs, supporting itself vertically is not that much of a challenge.

Pest experts say that foxes use their combined leg strength and sharp claws to push themselves upwards. A fox that has found food is also highly motivated and will keep trying until it succeeds.

Can Foxes Get Through Holes? 

Yes, foxes are nimble, and they can find a route to a property through holes. In addition, a fox can also dig a hole. They dig holes in lawns and greens, especially so if they are on the hunt for worms.

Foxes can also pass through a hole that is only four inches wide, or about 10 centimeters. Since foxes can climb walls and go through holes, it is a little difficult to get rid of them or prevent them from entering a property.

How Can People Prevent Foxes From Climbing into their Yards?

There are many ways to deter foxes from jumping your fence. While they are generally not harmful to humans, people should still be aware as foxes will eat pets in one’s backyard.

1. Do not feed foxes

First off, one should not feed foxes. Foxes will associate humans with food. And if this happens, the fox will keep coming back and may even build a den.

Some people find it cute to feed foxes, in the same way that they love feeding alligators. Big mistake. Animals learn by association. Too bad that before some people learn about their errors, it is too late.

As wild animals, foxes can carry pathogens. Some even have rabies. Foxes may generally be harmless during the day, but they can be rabid at night when they are prowling for food.

2. Secure Garbage

Foxes are omnivores. They would eat anything, including leftovers. The garbage bin is the easiest place they can find free food with minimal effort.

People must secure their garbage bins with a lid. The lid must be tight. Foxes are sly, and they will eventually figure out a way to lift an unsecured lid.

3. Keep the garden neat

Foxes like to live in thick bushes. They can use the vegetation as shelter. Thick gardens, therefore, are attractive to them.

To prevent fox infestation, garden owners must keep their areas clean and tidy. The garden must be free from unkempt vegetation at all times. Gardening gloves and shoes should also be kept away.

Conclusion

Foxes are pests because they are omnivores that eat almost everything and anything. Because of this, they are a threat to the biodiversity of an ecology. They hunt and kill wildlife, especially native ones.

Foxes are contributors to the extinction of several species of small animals and even birds. In a community where farmers raise animals, foxes are also a nuisance as they would eat chickens, lambs, and even goats.

Foxes are also carriers of pathogens. They can transmit diseases like distemper, mange, and many other things.

Foxes can jump high. On average, they can jump up to three feet. Some have been observed to jump as high as six feet.

These animals are smart predators. They will find a way through a fence or over it. They can also easily chew on chicken wires. Foxes should be deterred from entering a back or front yard, as they will eat pets and poultry. Foxes also carry diseases, so it is best that humans have no contact with them.

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