What blocks or slows down a human will not do the same for many dangerous animals.
Bears for example will climb right over most fences. As the image above illustrates, they will also quickly climb up onto second story decks and even your house's roof. Cougars and other larger predator cats will do the same. When building your residential property, please keep this information in mind.
Do not assume that decks and other upper level balconies are safe from such threats. If you want to keep larger animals from getting into the area between your perimeter and your house, you will need special fencing installed. The fencing is quite expensive too.
There are other strategies to avoid the problem however.
For example, don't leave pet food outside or in an open garage where it can easily be reached. Black bears are notorious for going into garages or onto decks to get pet food. Keep your doors secured and keep an eye on your children as well. You were already keeping an eye on them right?
The country side has animal predators; the city has human ones. A bear is only after the dog food or trash, but a cougar may be after your child. If a cougar grabs a hold of your child and you're not there to see it happen, you'll most likely never see the child again. Cougars will eat the entire body, including the clothes, to leave no trace.
P.S. This post is my first one rocking the new signature designed by 