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Yes, possums can climb fences.
These clever little marsupials are surprisingly good climbers and can easily scale various types of fences.
If you’re wondering, “Can possums climb fences?” you’re not alone.
Many homeowners ask this question because possums frequently show up in backyards and gardens, sometimes causing trouble.
In this post, we’ll dive into why possums climb fences, how they do it, and what you can do to manage or prevent their fence-climbing adventures.
Let’s jump right in!
Why Possums Can Climb Fences
Possums are natural climbers, making it entirely normal for them to climb fences.
1. Adapted for Climbing
Possums have sharp claws and flexible toes that give them excellent grip when climbing.
Their feet are well adapted to grasp surfaces tightly, allowing them to scale wood, metal, or wire fences with ease.
These adaptations are part of their lifestyle, enabling them to search for food or shelter by moving between trees and man-made structures.
2. Fences Mimic Natural Surfaces
Fences often mimic the natural environment possums navigate, such as tree branches or vines.
Fence posts and panels provide vertical structures that possums can cling to just like they would in a tree.
Wire fences, in particular, offer many footholds, especially if the wire is rough or rusty, which helps possums get a grip.
3. Possums Are Nocturnal Explorers
Being mostly active at night, possums explore their surroundings extensively in the dark.
Climbing fences allows them to roam different properties easily, increasing their chances of finding food or shelter.
So when you’re asleep, possums could be on the move, climbing fences without too much effort.
How Possums Climb Fences: Techniques and Behavior
Understanding how possums climb fences can help you figure out ways to discourage them if needed.
1. Using Claws and Toes for Grip
Possums have five toes on each foot, with opposable thumbs on their hind feet that help in gripping.
Their sharp claws dig into surfaces, allowing them to hold firmly to fences.
This claw-and-toe combination gives them an impressive ability to climb vertically or even hang upside down if necessary.
2. Taking Advantage of Fence Texture and Structure
Possums pick up on textures that give them the most traction.
Wooden fences with grainy surfaces or chain-link fences give possums plenty of handholds and footholds.
Even painted fences provide some grip due to small imperfections on the surface.
3. Jumping From Nearby Structures
Sometimes possums don’t start climbing at the base of a fence at all.
They can jump from nearby trees, roofs, or garden structures to land on fences, making it easier to climb or move along them.
This behavior means fences aren’t the only way possums get into your yard—they might be using neighboring structures as stepping stones.
4. Taking Their Time and Using Stealth
Possums are careful climbers.
They move slowly and deliberately to avoid falling or attracting attention.
This cautious approach means they can successfully navigate fences even if those fences have some obstacles or aren’t perfectly smooth.
What Fences Are Easier or Harder for Possums to Climb?
If you’re worried about possums climbing your fence, knowing what types of fences they find easier can help in making smarter choices.
1. Chain-Link Fences
Chain-link fences are among the easiest for possums to climb.
The diamond-patterned holes provide natural footholds and places to grip with their claws.
If your yard is protected by a chain-link fence, expect possums to scale it if they want to get in.
2. Wooden Picket Fences
Wood fences can be easy or difficult depending on their design.
Rough wood with wide gaps between planks gives possums more places to grip.
On the other hand, smooth wood or narrow, tightly spaced boards make climbing trickier but still possible.
3. Smooth Metal or Vinyl Fences
Smooth fences like some metal or vinyl fences are harder for possums to climb.
With fewer places to grip and slippery surfaces, possums may find it challenging to climb these fences.
However, if there’s anything nearby to help them jump on top, these fences aren’t foolproof.
4. Fences With Anti-Climb Features
Fences equipped with spikes, rollers, or angled tops are significantly harder for possums to climb.
These deterrents exploit possums’ cautious nature and physically block their climbing attempts.
They are a good option if you want to keep possums out of your yard effectively.
How to Prevent or Control Possums Climbing Your Fence
If possums climbing fences are causing you problems, there are several humane ways to discourage or prevent their fence-climbing antics.
1. Trim Trees and Shrubs Near Your Fence
Reducing access points like overhanging branches or nearby tall shrubs makes it harder for possums to jump onto fences.
If possums can’t easily leap onto your fence, they may be less likely to try climbing it from the ground.
2. Install Possum-Proof Fence Toppers
Adding items like roller bars, mesh caps, or angled extensions to your fence top can stop possums from getting over.
These devices make balancing difficult or prevent claws from gripping firmly.
3. Use Repellents
Natural repellents such as garlic spray, predator urine, or commercial possum repellents can discourage possums from hanging around your fence.
Apply them regularly, especially at fence bases and common climbing spots.
4. Remove Food and Shelter Attractants
Possums climb fences often to reach food or places to shelter.
By securing trash cans, removing pet food overnight, and sealing up spaces under sheds, you can make your yard less inviting.
5. Consider Fence Design Changes
If possums are a persistent problem, changing your fence type or material might be best.
Switching to smooth vinyl or metal fences combined with anti-climb features can drastically reduce possum access.
So, Can Possums Climb Fences?
Yes, possums can climb fences thanks to their sharp claws, flexible toes, and natural climbing skills.
They use fences as pathways for food, shelter, and exploration, making fences easy access points to yards and gardens.
While chain-link and wooden fences provide helpful footholds, smoother or specially modified fences can make climbing more challenging.
If possums climbing fences is a concern, trimming vegetation, adding fence toppers, using repellents, and securing food sources are effective deterrents.
Understanding possum behavior and fence-climbing abilities can help you better manage their visits and protect your property humanely.
In summary, possums are excellent climbers that can scale most common fence types easily, but with the right strategies, you can minimize or prevent their fence-climbing adventures.
Possums