Quick Answer
Predator electric fences need 4,000–7,000 volts at the fence to be effective. Coyotes, dogs, and foxes respond well to 4,000–5,000V. Bears and mountain lions require 6,000–8,000V due to thick fur and skin. All predator fences should use low bottom wire (4–6 inches) with close spacing between strands (4–6 inches) to prevent animals from ducking under or squeezing through.
Why Predator Fencing Requires Higher Voltage
Livestock fences work on animals that encounter them accidentally and learn avoidance. Predator fences must actively change the approach behavior of a motivated animal trying to reach prey. A hungry coyote that smells chickens will push through a weak fence. The shock must be strong enough to override the hunting drive — this requires both adequate voltage (the "strength" of the shock) and adequate joule delivery (the "punch" that penetrates through fur).
Additionally, predators often approach in dry conditions at night when soil moisture is low, reducing ground system effectiveness. This further argues for a high-powered system with excellent grounding.
Voltage by Predator Type
| Predator | Min Voltage | Target Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | 3,000V | 4,000–5,000V | Thin skin; responds quickly to lower voltage |
| Fox | 4,000V | 5,000–6,000V | Dense fur requires good joule delivery |
| Coyote | 4,000V | 5,000–7,000V | Persistent; may probe fence multiple times |
| Dog | 3,000V | 4,000–5,000V | Variable — depends on coat thickness |
| Black bear | 5,000V | 6,000–8,000V | Dense coat; must contact nose or lips to be effective |
| Mountain lion | 5,000V | 6,000–8,000V | Very thick coat; relies more on physical barrier |
| Wolf | 5,000V | 7,000–9,000V | Thick winter coat; large body mass |
Wire Configuration for Predators
For coyotes and foxes: 5–6 horizontal wires at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 32 inches from ground. The close bottom spacing prevents crawling under. Use alternating hot/ground wires for better effectiveness in dry conditions. For bears: bait the fence with a strip of bacon or peanut butter on foil touching the hot wire — this trains bears through nose contact (the most sensitive point) and is the most reliable method for problem bears.
Our Recommendation
For predator control around chicken coops or small livestock: use a 2–3 joule energizer and maintain 5,000+ volts at the fence perimeter. Prioritize close wire spacing at the bottom (4–6 inches) over total fence height — most predators go through or under fences, not over them. A buried wire apron (18 inches underground, angled outward) prevents digging, which is the primary failure mode for predator fences.