Yes, raccoons can easily climb most fences. The raccoon, Procyon lotor is a native mammal, measuring about 3 feet long with its 12-inch, bushy and ringed tail. It has a hunched appearance because the hind legs are longer than the front legs, and it can run really fast. Each front foot has five dexterous toes, which means that raccoons can grasp and manipulate food and other items. They have been known to open loose covers from garbage cans when they forage with their opposable thumbs.
Raccoons can climb wood and wire fences quite easily. Although they prefer forest areas near a stream or water source, they have adapted to various environments. As such, raccoons den in attics, chimneys, sheds, and under porches. And they will climb physical structures like fences to get into some of those places. Sometimes, raccoons will bypass fences and access high places via overhanging tree limbs
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The raccoon is a solitary animal, except for mothers with young. While a raccoon can run at a speed of up to 15 miles an hour, it mostly walks. A good swimmer, it hunts for food both on land and in the water. Most of its activities are carried out at night. The raccoon is a very good climber and can even go down a tree backwards or face first.
Climbing walls and fences is right down the alley of seasoned predators like raccoons, coyotes, and wild dogs, especially where there is a chicken coop to raid, for instance.
They have been known to scale concrete fences that are quite high too. Being nimble and dexterous creatures, it is almost impossible to keep raccoons at bay with structural modifications. They would also dig beneath fences that are hard to scale.
Exceptions to this of course, are electric fences. These repel raccoons and other critters with an electromagnetic field. They should be used with moderation though, especially where children and domestic animals are present.
In order to prevent raccoons from climbing fences and accessing outhouses and attics, you may take the steps below:
1. Attach sheets of metal flashing around the corners of the building.
2. Raccoons try to get into houses because of food. Seal up potential entry points of rats and mice into your home with ¼ inch mesh hardware cloth or boards. Anything wider will allow smaller rodents to gain access.
3. Remove vegetation hanging on or above buildings – shrubs, tree branches etc.
4. Commercial products that prevent climbing are also available in animal control stores nationwide.
5. Make a chain link fence
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