Wildlife Fence Calculator
Quick answer: Enter your garden dimensions and target animal below to get research-based fence specs, a complete material list, and cost estimate — all sourced from ICWDM, USDA APHIS, and university extensions.
Last reviewed: July 2026 | Sources: Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, University Extension publications (UNL, Clemson, Missouri, Cornell, Oregon State, WSU).
Why This Calculator Is Different
- Species-specific specs: 8 animals (rabbit, deer, groundhog, raccoon, skunk, mole, vole, squirrel) with exact height, bury depth, mesh size, and wire gauge from research handbooks
- Real material math: Calculates posts, wire rolls, bury wire, gates, electric add-on — not just linear feet
- Cost transparency: Line-item pricing with current 2024-2025 retail estimates (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, online)
- Validation warnings: Flags mismatches (e.g., welded wire for rabbits — mesh too large)
- Free CSV export: Take the list to your supplier
Fence Specs by Animal (Quick Reference)
| 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 | Chicken wire fails — rabbits chew through |
| White-tailed Deer | 8 ft (7 ft min) | None | 2″x4″ | 14-16 ga welded wire or poly | Slanted 45° fence works at 6 ft |
| Groundhog | 4 ft | 12-18″ L-foot | 1″ | 16 ga hardware cloth | Top 12″ bent out 45° stops climbers |
| Raccoon | 5 ft + electric | 6″ L-foot | 1″ | 16 ga hardware cloth | Add electric strand 4-6″ above fence |
| 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
- Buy 10% extra wire for mistakes and repairs
- Rent a post driver for T-posts — saves hours
- Install gates on level ground; use drop rods
- Test electric fence before connecting energizer
- Walk perimeter after every storm — check for washouts, lifted corners
- Reapply scent deterrents (pepper spray, blood meal) after rain for first 30 days
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. No ads, no tracking, research-based data.
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.