Wildlife Fence Calculator
Quick answer: Enter your garden dimensions and target animal below to get example fence profiles and a dimension-based material estimate. Confirm the design with local extension guidance and check roll widths, quantities and supplier prices before purchasing.
Safety wording reviewed: October 11, 2026; numerical profiles remain planning assumptions; roll quantities now use explicit material dimensions | Sources: Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, University Extension publications (UNL, Clemson, Missouri, Cornell, Oregon State, WSU).
Planning protection against bears? Bears are not included in this calculator’s eight animal presets. Use the bear attractant-removal and fencing guidance instead of applying another animal’s fence settings.
Why This Calculator Is Different
- Species-specific specs: 8 animals (rabbit, deer, groundhog, raccoon, skunk, mole, vole, squirrel) with example height, burial and mesh assumptions for planning, not a site-specific installation design
- Draft material breakdown: Lists posts, wire, gates and optional electric equipment. Roll quantities use entered widths, lengths, seam overlap and waste allowance. Confirm gate protection, supplier stock and the final design before purchase
- Cost transparency: Line-item planning estimates; verify current local supplier prices before purchasing
- Material checks: Compare the actual mesh opening and roll height with the chosen design; wire-type names alone do not establish suitability
- Free CSV export: Export a draft to discuss with your supplier; verify quantities first
Fence Specs by Animal (Quick Reference)
Planning examples, not guarantees: The dimensions below are inherited calculator assumptions. Confirm a complete design for your species, terrain and local rules before installation. See Colorado State Extension’s deer guidance, UC IPM’s raccoon guidance and CSU’s rabbit fencing guidance.
| Animal | Height | Bury Depth | Mesh Size | Wire Type | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | 3 ft (min 2 ft) | 6-12″ L-foot | 1″ | 16-19 ga hardware cloth | Small-mesh poultry wire can be suitable; secure the bottom edge |
| White-tailed Deer | 8 ft vertical example | None | 2″x4″ | 14-16 ga welded wire or poly | 8 ft is a conventional vertical design; slanted systems need a separate design |
| Groundhog | 4 ft | 12-18″ L-foot | 1″ | 16 ga hardware cloth | An outward overhang can reduce climbing; inspect for digging and gaps |
| Raccoon | 5 ft + electric | 6″ L-foot | 1″ | 16 ga hardware cloth | Ordinary fences are readily climbed; electric designs need site-specific safety checks |
| Skunk | 3 ft | 12″ L-foot | 1″ | 16-19 ga hardware cloth | Poor climbers, determined diggers |
| Mole | N/A (trench) | 24″ deep + 6″ apron | 1/2″ | 1/2″ hardware cloth | Vertical barrier trench, not standing fence |
| Vole | 18″ | 6″ L-foot | 1/4″ | 1/4″ hardware cloth | Tree guards: cylinder buried 3″ |
| Squirrel | 6 ft + baffles | None | 1″ | 16 ga hardware cloth | Fence alone rarely works — exclude from attic instead |
Installation Checklist (All Species)
- Call 811 before digging (US) — free utility marking
- Check local HOA / municipal fence height codes
- Include a waste allowance once; the calculator already includes the percentage you enter
- Rent a post driver for T-posts — saves hours
- Install gates on level ground; use drop rods
- Follow the energizer manufacturer’s installation, grounding and tester instructions; disconnect power before working on the fence
- Walk perimeter after every storm — check for washouts, lifted corners
- Do not apply bear spray or improvised irritants to fencing. Use any labeled wildlife repellent only for its listed animal and site; follow its reapplication instructions
Embed This Calculator on Your Site
Extension offices, wildlife agencies, hardware stores, and gardening blogs: you’re welcome to embed this calculator free of charge. The example profiles are for planning; they are not a certified exclusion design.
Responsive height tip: Use onload="this.style.height=this.contentWindow.document.body.scrollHeight+'px'" for auto-height.
Data Sources & References
- Hygnstrom, S.E., Timm, R.M., & Larson, G.E. (Eds.). (1994). Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. (The “ICWDM Handbook”)
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series.
- Curtis, P.D., & Sullivan, K. (2001). Wildlife Damage Management. Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- Holler, N.R., et al. Identification and Assessment of Wildlife Damage. ICWDM Handbook Ch. 2.
- University Extension fact sheets: UNL (Nebraska), Clemson (SC), Missouri, Oregon State, WSU (Washington), UF/IFAS (Florida), Penn State, UC Davis IPM.
Independent resource — not a government site. For regulations on trapping, relocation, or protected species, contact your state wildlife agency.