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How far can a squirrel jump?
Squirrels can really jump! They are fast and agile, and they have high-twitch muscle. They can grip many surfaces, swivel their hind feet backward, and
pretty much go wherever they want. That's why it's so hard to keep them away from your birdfeeder or house. In fact, in regard to your house, you almost have no hope.
Studies vary, but it appears that the Eastern Gray Squirrel, which is the most common one in the United States, can jump about
four feet high, or nine feet horizontally, with no incline change. Of course,
in nature, things vary. Each squirrel is a little bit different, and may be young or old. It may have a running start, or not. It may have to jump up, or down. And they can glide just a little. Not
as much as flying squirrels of course, but they can glide a little.
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An Eastern Gray Squirrel can jump about nine feet horizontally on a flat surface with a running start.
How high can a squirrel jump? About four feet vertically.
How fast is a squirrel? How fast can it run? About 12 miles per hour at top speed, which is pretty fast.
Reader Email: Hello, I do have squirrels in my soffet, and the babies are out and about. They are gaining access by running along my privacy fence, jumping from there to my back door roof over the steps, then onto the lower level roof. Which is about a 3 foot jump. I seen a show on TV one time and it talked about the distances that squirrels avoid, and one of them is jumping. I could get a piece of plastic window and put it up against the house so they can't climb or jump over. I can't seem to find the information on the web, and I can't remember what the show was called. The show was showing the distances to keep in mind for bird feeders, and what squirrels avoid. If they didn't run on top of the privacy fence, I wouldn't have a problem. Would you know of the distances I could create to deter them from jumping? I'm already going to construct the milk jug obstacle course for the fence. Thanks, Robert
My Response: I'm not sure how far squirrels can jump. Height matters a great deal, of course, and some running space. I'd say about ten feet, believe it or not. I think you'll have a heck of a time keeping squirrels from jumping on your house.
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Please be kind to squirrels! They are intelligent animals, and believe it or not, they definitely have emotions! |
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