Pets and Wildlife at Highgate: Fencing and Safety Tips

Sharing your yard with mountain wildlife is part of the Highgate lifestyle, but it should never come at the expense of your pets’ safety. If you are new to Highlands or planning a project this season, a few smart choices can make your property both welcoming and secure. In this guide, you’ll learn practical fencing options, daily routines that deter wildlife, and the local rules to check before you build. Let’s dive in.

Why wildlife planning matters in Highgate

Highgate sits in a forested, high‑elevation setting where black bears, deer, coyotes, bobcats, and smaller mammals are active. Highlands participates in BearWise outreach, and the Town requires bear‑resistant trash toters to limit attractants around homes. Review the BearWise basics for our area in the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s overview of living with black bears and the Town’s Public Works guidance.

Build smart fences and enclosures

For dogs

Most medium and large dogs are well contained by a sturdy 5 to 6 foot fence. Athletic jumpers may need 6 to 8 feet. Prevent tunneling by extending mesh to the ground, burying a skirt, or adding a narrow concrete footer. Solid panels or privacy slats can also reduce reactivity to wildlife. See a practical overview of dog‑safe fence choices from the Whole Dog Journal.

For cats

Outdoor cats are vulnerable to coyotes and bobcats. Keep cats indoors or provide a fully enclosed catio or netted run. If your cat spends time outside, supervise closely and avoid dawn and dusk when predators are most active. Learn more about coyote behavior and prevention from NCWRC’s coyote guidance.

For gardens and young trees

Deer can clear short barriers with ease. Plan taller fencing for valuable plantings. Many properties succeed with 6 to 8 feet for small gardens, while larger or high‑value areas may need 8 to 10 feet. Double fencing around beds can also discourage deer by disrupting their depth perception.

For poultry and small livestock

If you keep chickens or small livestock, use welded wire or hardware cloth with a 6 to 12 inch buried skirt and a fully covered run. Bears and persistent predators often require an electrified perimeter around the coop area. For design ideas and predator habits, review NCWRC’s bobcat page.

Wildlife‑specific tips that work here

Bears near homes

Bears are driven by food rewards. Remove attractants first. Keep trash secured in the Town’s bear‑resistant carts, bring pet food indoors, and remove bird feeders when bears are active. For stubborn problems at coops or dumpster areas, a correctly installed electric fence can help, with safety signage and approvals where required. Get step‑by‑step recommendations in NCWRC’s guide to bears in residential areas.

Coyotes and bobcats

To reduce access, use a continuous 6 foot fence and add a buried or outward‑bent skirt to block digging. A smooth “coyote roller” at the top can prevent climbing. Supervise small dogs and never let cats roam at dawn or dusk. For species behavior and safety tips, see NCWRC’s coyote and bobcat resources.

Daily habits that keep pets safe

• Store pet food indoors and clean grills and grease trays after use.
• Put trash out the morning of pickup and secure lids. The Town provides bear‑resistant toters.
• Remove bird and hummingbird feeders when bears are active.
• Keep small pets on leash and supervise yard time, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Use motion lights or sprinklers as short‑term deterrents, then address the attractant.

Rules to check before you build in Highgate

• Town zoning: A Zoning Certificate may be required for new fences, and the Town reviews heights, setbacks, and sight‑distance standards. Start with the Town’s Planning and Development page or call 828‑526‑2118.
• HOA review: Highgate’s POA typically regulates fence style, height, materials, and any visible deterrents. Check your CC&Rs and Architectural Review Committee guidelines before you buy materials.
• Safety and permits: If you are considering electrified exclusion for coops or attractant areas, coordinate with your HOA and confirm Town allowances. Post warnings and follow manufacturer and NCWRC safety guidance.

A quick action plan for your property

• Today
  • Secure trash in bear‑resistant containers and bring pet food indoors.
  • Supervise small pets and avoid dawn and dusk.
• This month
  • Choose a fence plan matched to your pets and yard.
  • For gardens or coops, add buried wire skirts and overhead coverage.
• If issues persist
  • Consider a professionally installed electric fence for high‑risk zones.
  • Use motion cameras to confirm which species are visiting and when.

Who to call

• Domestic animal issues, bites, or strays: Macon County Animal Services, (828) 349‑2106. Review services and reporting on the county’s Animal Services page.
• Wildlife questions or injured animals: NC Wildlife Resources Commission helpline 866‑318‑2401. See contact options on NCWRC’s page for injured and orphaned wildlife.
• Town of Highlands services: 828‑526‑2118 for Public Works and Planning.

Ready to match your next move to the Highgate lifestyle while keeping pets safe? Reach out to the Michaud Rauers Group for hyper‑local guidance on neighborhood norms, property features buyers value, and a clear plan to market your home with confidence.

FAQs

Are electric fences allowed in Highgate for bear deterrence?

• Electric fencing can deter bears at coops or trash areas, but it is not a substitute for removing attractants. Check Highgate POA rules and Town of Highlands allowances first, and follow NCWRC safety guidance in its overview of bears in residential areas.

How tall should a dog fence be for a Highlands home?

• Many medium and large dogs do well with 5 to 6 feet, while athletic jumpers may need 6 to 8 feet. Secure the base against digging and verify any height limits with the Town and your HOA. For design tips, see this dog‑fencing overview.

Do bird feeders really attract bears in Highlands?

• Yes. Bird seed and nectar are strong attractants. Remove feeders when bears are active and rely on native landscaping to support birds. Review BearWise basics for our area in NCWRC’s living with black bears.

Who should I call about a wild animal in my yard in Highlands?

• For wildlife questions or injured animals, contact NCWRC’s helpline at 866‑318‑2401 and see injured and orphaned wildlife. For domestic animal issues or bites, call Macon County Animal Services at (828) 349‑2106.

How can I protect outdoor cats in a coyote area like Highgate?

• Keep cats indoors or in a fully enclosed catio or netted run. If outside, supervise closely and avoid dawn and dusk. Learn prevention steps in NCWRC’s coyote guidance.