Electric Fences For Predators
About Electric Fences for Predators
When a predator touches the charged wire of an electrical fence, it receives a high-voltage pulse that travels through its body to the ground. Although not enough to kill the animal, the shock will deter it from trying again.
The pulses of Electric Fences for Predators are generated by a solar or mains-powered fence energizer (also called a controller) connected to the positive and ground wires of the fence. The energizer should be installed in an enclosed building and its earth lead properly grounded to the ground, as described by the manufacturer.
A well-built electric fence can be built from multiple strands of single wires or mesh-wire that presents a stronger physical barrier to predators and requires less electrified wire than a traditional single-strand wire fence. Seven or more wires spaced at 6-inch intervals is ideal for keeping sheep and cattle in and predators out.
Protect Your Property from Bears with Electric Fencing
Some ranchers add a second “trip” wire at the bottom of their fences to catch more of the predators that try to climb or jump over the first wire. Others recommend installing a zigzag pattern of electric wires to better deter foxes and coyotes.
Whether or not a zigzag pattern of wires is used, all positively-charged wires should be insulated from anchor, brace and span posts by short sections (4 to 6 inches) of plastic tubing or porcelain insulators. Use an anchor-post knot or a wire sleeve to tie the tubing or insulators to the posts.