Quick Answer
Yes, properly installed 2x4-inch welded wire mesh stops adult raccoons and foxes from entering through the fence. However, juvenile raccoons can squeeze through 2-inch openings, and both animals will dig under a fence without a buried apron. Add an electric wire at 6–8 inches height to prevent digging and climbing for reliable raccoon and fox exclusion.
Raccoon Behavior and Fence Design
Raccoons are strong climbers and will scale most standard fences. They're also intelligent — they'll test fence sections repeatedly for weaknesses. A 2x4-inch mesh fence stops adult raccoons from squeezing through (adult raccoons are too large for this opening), but they will climb over if no overhang or electric deterrent is present.
Juvenile raccoons in spring (4–8 weeks old, roughly softball-sized) can squeeze through 2-inch openings. If your main predator concern is juveniles raiding brooder facilities, use 1x1-inch hardware cloth or 1x2-inch mesh instead.
Fox Behavior and Fence Design
Foxes primarily dig under fences rather than climbing over them. Their body width requires approximately a 4x4-inch opening to squeeze through — 2x4-inch mesh stops adult foxes from entering through the wire. However, a fox with access to the fence base will dig under within minutes in soft soil.
The most effective fox deterrent is a buried wire apron extending 18 inches outward from the fence base, buried 4–6 inches deep. Alternatively, run an electric wire at 6 inches height along the outside of the fence — a fox that gets shocked while attempting to dig will typically abandon the attempt.
Combined Defense Strategy
- Main barrier: 2x4-inch welded wire, 4–5 feet tall
- Buried apron: 18 inches wide, 4–6 inches deep, angled outward
- Electric wire: 6 inches height on outside of fence
- Top overhang or electric top wire: prevents climbing
Our Recommendation
Welded wire mesh alone provides moderate protection against raccoons and foxes. Adding an electric wire at the base and a buried apron (or hot wire at 6 inches outside the fence) upgrades this to reliable exclusion. For high-predator-pressure areas (near wooded areas, streams, or if you've had previous predator attacks), add all three elements — the combination stops all but the most determined predators effectively.