If you’ve ever walked into your back yard early in the morning and smelled something… funky, you might be sharing space with a skunk. These wild animals are common in both urban and suburban neighborhoods throughout the Pacific Northwest, and they’re not always easy to keep out. One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in the Seattle and Portland areas is: Can skunks climb fences?
The answer depends on a few things—like which skunk species you’re dealing with, what kind of fence you have, and what’s attracting the skunks to your property in the first place. Some skunks are very good climbers, while others are poor climbers but excellent diggers. And when food or shelter is involved, they can get creative.
Let’s break down what you need to know to keep skunks (and other animals) from making themselves at home in your yard—and how your fence can be your first line of defense.
Meet Your Local Skunks: Pacific Northwest Species 101
Striped Skunks, Spotted Skunks, and Other Skunk Species
In our region, the most common visitor is the striped skunk, easily recognizable by the white stripes running down its back. These animals are heavier and stockier than some other skunk species, with short legs and a waddling gait. Striped skunks struggle to climb anything vertical and are more likely to try digging under fences instead.
Less common—but still present—are eastern spotted skunks, which are smaller, lighter, and agile. These skunks are known to be excellent climbers, often seen scaling wooden fences, trees, or even siding. There are also rarer types, like hog nosed skunks, which are more common in the Southwest but sometimes reported in the Northwest.
Why Skunk Behavior Affects Fence Design
Every wild animal behaves a little differently, and skunks are no exception. While raccoons and squirrels can make climbing look easy, skunks are a bit more complicated. Their climbing ability varies drastically by species. The key to effective skunk removal and prevention is understanding these differences.
Can Skunks Climb Trees and Fences?
Yes, Skunks Can Climb A Tree—But Not All of Them
Let’s clear this up: yes, some skunks climb trees. In particular, the eastern spotted skunk is known to climb a tree with ease, sometimes even using tree branches as a path into an attic or across a fence line. These skunks use their long claws and lightweight frame to navigate vertical surfaces surprisingly well. They’ve even been observed descending a tree headfirst—just like squirrels.
In contrast, striped skunks struggle with vertical climbs. Their bodies are heavier and not built for agility. While they have sharp claws and long nails, they use them primarily for digging rather than climbing.
Fences and Climbing Ability: What Makes Skunks Good Climbers?
Skunks that climb are typically looking for food (like from bird feeders) or shelter. A poorly designed fence can offer easy access if it has horizontal rails, textured surfaces, or nearby items like wooden boards or stacked firewood that give them a boost. Rough-textured surfaces and gaps between slats give skunks the good grip they need to hoist themselves up.
Fences made of wooden boards or chain-link are especially vulnerable to climbing—these materials allow footholds and often connect to tree branches or nearby platforms. On the other hand, smooth materials like vinyl or solid metal make climbing much harder and are great at helping deter skunks and other animals from entering.
Skunks Dig More Than They Climb
Skunks Dig Their Way into Trouble—And Your Yard
Though climbing gets the spotlight, digging is the real issue for most homeowners. Skunks are natural diggers. Whether it’s hunting for grubs or seeking shelter, they’ll tunnel under fences, porches, decks, and sheds if they sense an opportunity. Their sharp teeth and long claws help them make quick work of soft soil and compromised foundations.
You’ll often see small, shallow holes around your fence line or patches of disturbed soil. These are signs that skunks dig and may already be living under your shed or deck. This behavior is especially common in the cooler months when they’re looking for a warm den.
How to Prevent Skunks from Digging Under Fences
The best way to prevent skunks from burrowing is to stop them at ground level. At Cool Cat Fence, we often install wire mesh or chicken wire buried along the base of the fence. When installed in an L-shape—about 12 inches deep and 12 inches outward—it creates a barrier that even the most determined skunks can’t get past. They have no ability to climb trees.
We can also retrofit existing fences with this kind of dig guard, helping you protect your investment without starting from scratch.
Fence Features That Prevent Skunks from Getting In
Height and Texture Make a Big Difference
A taller fence—five to six feet—is better at keeping out skunks, but only if the material is right. Height alone doesn’t stop a skunk if the surface is climbable. That’s why smooth materials are key. A wooden fence may look beautiful, but without adjustments like sealing the boards or adding metal overlays, it’s basically a jungle gym for climbing skunks.
If you already have a wooden fence, we can help you assess weak points and upgrade critical sections to help deter skunks, raccoons, and other animals that like to gain access to your property.
Eliminate Escape Routes and Boost Points
Many wild animals use clutter, platforms, and nearby trees to gain elevation and access. We recommend trimming back any tree branches that hang over or touch your fence. Also avoid stacking firewood, compost bins, or yard equipment against your fence line—these provide an easy ramp up for good climbers.
Chicken Wire and Wire Mesh: Critical Add-Ons
Both chicken wire and wire mesh are popular choices for skunk deterrence, especially when buried properly. We often recommend galvanized materials that resist rust and wear. Chicken wire can also be used to seal off the undersides of porches and sheds—prime real estate for skunks and other critters.
Additional Ways to Deter Skunks from Your Yard
Yard Maintenance and Food Control
If your yard offers food, water, or shelter, skunks will stick around. Bird feeders can spill seed, attracting not only skunks but squirrels and raccoons as well. Compost bins, pet food bowls, and even unsecured garbage bins are all potential buffet lines. Keeping a tidy yard with locked-down food sources goes a long way.
Motion-Activated Deterrents and Lights
Skunks are mostly nocturnal, and while they have poor vision, they’re sensitive to motion and light. Motion-activated sprinklers or floodlights can surprise and repel them—especially when used in combination with fencing.
Humane Removal and Professional Help
Already have a skunk on your property? Don’t try to handle it yourself. Skunks will spray when they feel threatened, and their musk can linger for days or even weeks. Instead, work with professionals who know how to humanely trap and relocate them. We’re happy to connect you with trusted skunk removal partners in the Seattle and Portland areas.
Fencing Solutions from Cool Cat Fence
Smart Fence Types That Keep Skunks Out
We offer several skunk-resistant options that blend style with serious performance:
Vinyl privacy fences – Smooth, tall, and nearly impossible to climb
Horizontal cedar fencing – Sealed and reinforced with dig guards
Metal panel fencing – Modern looks with rugged durability
Each style can be customized for height, footing, and material, depending on your property layout and wildlife pressure.
Add-On Features That Stop Climbers and Diggers
Whether you’re building new or upgrading, we offer:
Buried barriers using galvanized chicken wire or wire mesh
Corner protections and dig guards for gates and vulnerable spots
Retrofit skunk-proofing for existing fences
Why Pacific Northwest Homeowners Trust Cool Cat Fence
We’re not just fence installers—we’re local problem solvers. We know the challenges that come with living near nature, and we design fences that keep your space secure while looking great. Our craftsmanship, clear communication, and wildlife-smart designs set us apart.
Frequently Asked Can Skunks Climb Fences Questions
Can skunks climb chain-link or wooden fences?
Spotted skunks and some other animals can. They use sharp claws to grip the fencing, especially if there are nearby tree branches or other structures giving them a boost.
Do skunks climb trees?
Yes, particularly eastern spotted skunks and other agile species. They use trees to escape predators, find food, or access shelter. Striped skunks struggle more with climbing.
How do I prevent skunks from digging?
Bury wire mesh or chicken wire along the fence base in an L-shape pattern. This makes it nearly impossible for even persistent diggers to get through.
What’s the best fence to deter skunks?
A tall, smooth-surfaced fence made of vinyl or metal with buried barriers is best. Avoid wooden fences unless reinforced.
What should I do if I have a skunk in my yard?
Call a professional who can humanely trap and remove the animal. Never approach or scare it—skunks will spray when they feel threatened.
Final Thoughts: Smart Fencing = Skunk-Free Living
You don’t have to live with skunks tearing up your lawn or nesting under your shed. Whether it’s climbing, digging, or foraging, skunks can be tough to deter—but the right fence makes all the difference. Cool Cat Fence is here to help with smart fencing built for life in the Pacific Northwest.
Think your fence might be letting critters in? Let’s fix that. Contact Cool Cat Fence for a free quote today.
