What Can Raccoons Not Climb? (Surfaces & Objects)

In this article, we’ll answer the question:

“What can raccoons not climb?”

First, you’ll find a short summary of the things a raccoon cannot climb, then get a detailed list and explanation of why raccoons do not climb these objects.

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals in the family Procyonidae under the order Carnivora. These omnivores are native to North America but are also distributed across mainland Europe, the Caucasus, and Japan. These animals are notorious for their climbing skills, which they use to find food, shelter and safety.

Table of Contents

What Can Raccoons Not Climb?

Raccoons cannot climb surfaces that are smooth, too steep or angled, too hot or too cold, too high or too far, and covered in repellents because it makes it difficult to latch onto with their claws and paws or irritates their bodies.

Smooth Surfaces

This includes surfaces without any cracks or crevices such as glass, metal or plastic. These surfaces do not offer any traction or hold for the raccoon’s claws and paws, and they will slide off easily.

Raccoons need something to latch onto with their claws and paws, and they cannot do so on these slippery materials. This makes it hard for them to climb windows, cars, pipes or dumpsters that are made of smooth surfaces.

Surfaces That Are Too Steep or Angled

These surfaces are too hard for raccoons to balance on, such as roofs or walls with a slope of more than 45 degrees. These surfaces are too difficult for the raccoons to maintain their center of gravity while climbing, and they will fall off.

Raccoons need to keep their body close to the surface they are climbing, and they cannot do so on these steep inclines. This makes it hard for them to climb roofs, walls or fences that are too slanted or curved.

Surfaces That Are Too Hot or Cold

These surfaces can cause pain or injury to the raccoon’s sensitive paws and they will avoid them. Raccoons have very sensitive paws that can feel pain and temperature changes.

Surfaces That Are Too High or Far

These surfaces require a lot of stamina and courage for the raccoons to climb, and they may not have enough resources or motivation to do so. Raccoons have a natural fear of heights, and they will not climb higher than they need to. This makes it hard for them to climb tall buildings, towers or bridges that are too high or far from the ground.

Surfaces That Are Covered With Repellents

This includes pepper spray, ammonia or mothballs. These substances can irritate the raccoon’s nose, eyes and skin, and they will deter them from climbing. Raccoons have a keen sense of smell, and they will not climb anything that smells bad or unpleasant.

What Do Raccoons Not Like to Walk On?

Raccoons do not like to walk on surfaces that are smooth, slippery, sharp or uncomfortable for their paws. Some examples are glass, metal, plastic, electric fences, barbed wire or fire. These surfaces can cause them to lose their grip, balance or sense of touch, and they will avoid them.

How Do I Stop Raccoons From Climbing My Fence?

You can stop raccoons from climbing your fence by making it harder or less appealing for them to do so. Some methods are installing a fence that is too high, steep or smooth for them to climb, adding a wire mesh or electric wire on top of the fence, spraying repellents such as pepper spray, ammonia or vinegar on the fence, or placing motion-activated sprinklers or lights near the fence.

Will Aluminum Foil Keep Raccoons Away?

Aluminum foil may keep raccoons away if it is used as a physical barrier or a noise maker. Raccoons may not be able to climb over aluminum foil if it is wrapped tightly around trees, poles or fences. Raccoons may also be scared away by aluminum foil if it is crumpled up and hung from strings or branches, creating a loud and shiny distraction.

Learn More About Raccoons

Now that you know more about the things raccoons cannot climb, you may also be interested in these other educational guides on these mammals:

Things Raccoons Cannot Climb Summary

You now know the answer to the question about what can raccoons not climb.

As you discovered, raccoons cannot climb surfaces that are smooth, too steep or angled, too hot or too cold, too high or too far, and covered in repellents because it makes it difficult to latch on to with their claws and paws or irritates their bodies.

Stephen Milton

I’m the lead editor and writer for Animal Answer Guide. I enjoy sharing expert knowledge on the various characteristics of common species within the five distinct groups of animals: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.