Possums are quiet, curious animals that often wander through backyards at night, but can they come onto your fences? Many people ask this exact question.

These animals may not look very fast or strong, but their claws and tails help them move in surprising ways.

If you’ve ever seen one near your fence or yard, you’re not alone.

Learning how possums behave, how they climb, and how to keep them out can help you protect your space and avoid unwanted visits.

Meet the Possum: An Expert Climber

Possums come in two main types: the North American opossum and the Australian possum. Both are excellent climbers but have some differences in size and habits.

Possums are equipped with unique features that aid their climbing abilities. They have strong, flexible limbs that help them grip surfaces with ease, and their dexterous hands improve their ability to hold onto branches or other surfaces.

These traits make them adept at going through trees or fences.

Thanks to these characteristics, possums are natural climbers, easily adapting to their environments.

Can Possums Climb Fences?

Yes, possums can climb fences with ease.

They are often seen walking along wooden, metal, vinyl, and chain-link fences in quiet backyards or near trees and gardens.

At night, possums quietly move across fences while searching for new places to explore or rest.

Many people have watched possums climb fences or hop from one side to the other without any trouble at all.

They can climb fences over four feet high and are commonly spotted moving along fence lines in both city neighborhoods and rural areas.

1. Why Possums Climb?

Possums climb to find food, shelter, and safe places to hide. They look for fruits, bugs, pet food, or garbage. Climbing also helps them avoid danger.

In busy towns or quiet yards, climbing fences is one way they explore new spots or stay safe during the day.

2. How Do Possums Climb?

Possums use their strong legs and flexible bodies to climb fences and trees. They can hold on to rough surfaces and move with balance.

Their tails help them stay steady. They climb with care, turning corners or jumping over gaps using their sharp claws and smart body movements.

3. What Stops Them or Limits Their Climbing Ability?

Very tall or smooth fences are harder for possums to climb. If there are no trees or walls nearby, jumping can be tricky.

Strong wind can also make it harder for them to hold on. Even though possums are great climbers, these things can sometimes slow them down.

Making Your Fence Possum-Proof

Possums climb more easily when there are gaps in the fence, allowing footholds. A rough texture gives them something to grip, while nearby trees act as jumping points.

To prevent climbing, simple solutions can help.

• Add Overhangs: Install an overhang or angled barrier at the top of your fence so possums can’t pull themselves over the edge.
• Use Spikes: Place blunt spikes along the top of your fence to stop possums from getting a firm grip as they try to climb.
• Install Electric Wires: Low-voltage electric wires can make the fence uncomfortable to climb, discouraging possums from trying again.
• Block Narrow Gaps: Fill in small spaces or cracks that possums can grab onto, since these give them the grip they need to climb up.
• Avoid Rough Surfaces: Keep fence surfaces smooth instead of rough because rough textures make it easier for possums to climb up and hold on.
• Trim Nearby Trees: Cut back branches or trees close to the fence that give possums an easy jumping point onto your fence.
• Bring Pet Food Indoors: Always feed pets inside and keep their food bowls indoors so possums don’t smell it and come looking for a meal.
• Seal Trash Properly: Keep trash can lids closed tightly so possums can’t smell leftover food and try to enter your yard to find it.
• Clean Up Fallen Fruit and Seeds: Pick up dropped fruits, birdseed, or leftover food from your yard so possums aren’t attracted to your space.

Common Myths About Possum Climbing

Many people believe things about possums that just aren’t true, especially when it comes to how they climb and move around.

Myth 1: Possums are Only Found Climbing Trees.

Fact: While they climb trees, possums also scale fences, buildings, and other structures in search of food or shelter.

Myth 2: Possums Make a Lot of Noise when Climbing.

Fact: Possums are usually quiet climbers and often go unnoticed, especially since they are nocturnal.

Myth 3: Possums Can’t Climb High Fences without Help.

Fact: Possums are capable of climbing fences as high as 6 feet or more, with or without nearby structures.

Fun Facts About Possums

Here are some fun facts about possums:

• Possums play a vital role in nature, helping with pest control by eating insects and small animals. They also contribute to seed dispersal, aiding plant growth in ecosystems.
• One of the most interesting aspects of possums is their reproductive behavior. A mother possum may carry her babies in her pouch until they’re old enough to leave her back.
• Culturally, possums are often misunderstood. They’re sometimes seen as pests, but they actually provide important benefits to gardens and homes by controlling bugs and smaller rodents.

The Bottom Line

Possums are clever animals that can climb fences, trees, and rooftops when they search for food or a place to hide during the day or night.

Knowing that possums can climb fences helps you take the right steps to stop them from coming too close to your home or yard.

Try using simple tricks like adding fence toppers or sealing food sources so your space stays safe without hurting the animals.

If you stay prepared and make small changes, you can keep possums away while still being kind to your local wildlife.