How Fast Can A Squirrel Run? A Complete Guide
Have you ever seen a squirrel dash across your yard and wondered just how fast it was going? You may not know it’s exact speed but you just know that it’s rapid.
So, how fast can a squirrel run? What are the factors that affect a squirrel’s running speed? Let’s find out!
Different Squirrels, Different Running Speeds
Not all squirrels move at the same pace. Different species of squirrels move at different speeds.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Gray Squirrels are a common North American species. These squirrels can run up to 20 miles per hour in short bursts. Aside from these quick speeds, these squirrels can also jump up to 8 feet (2.4 meters).
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels can also reach speeds of around 20 mph. These squirrels tend to be larger than other species and are found in North America. They are known for their reddish-brown fur and bushy tails.
Red Squirrels
Red squirrels are a smaller squirrel species found in North America and Europe. They tend to be slower than other species, clocking in at 12 miles per hour. However, they can jump up to 6 feet in a single bound, as well as run headfirst down tree trunks.
Flying Squirrel
Unlike their name suggests, flying squirrels don’t actually fly. Instead, they glide through the air between trees using a special flap of skin between their legs.
They can glide up to 150 feet from tree to tree. On the ground, their top speed is 12 miles per hour.
What Makes Squirrels So Quick?
Now that we’ve established which species of squirrels are the fastest, let’s take a look at what exactly contributes to this lightweight rodent’s incredible speed.
Age
First off, age is a big factor. Younger squirrels are like sprinters, zipping around with bursts of energy. Their youth gives them an impressive speed that can be fascinating to watch.
However, as they grow older, they may not dash quite as fast, but they’re still quite agile, and faster than many other creatures.
Nutrition
Nutrition is also crucial. A squirrel’s diet can significantly affect its energy levels.
Foods that are high in protein and fat, like nuts and seeds, provide them with plenty of fuel. On the other hand, a diet heavy in carbohydrates might make them a bit sluggish.
Habitat
Squirrels living in different environments adapt to their surroundings. For instance, urban squirrels may have to navigate around buildings and busy streets, which requires quick reflexes and agility.
Meanwhile, those squirrels that live in parks or forests benefit from the open areas where they can really pick up speed and leap across larger gaps between trees. Their environment shapes how they use their speed in daily life.
Why Squirrels Need to Be Speedy
Squirrels have lightning-quick movements. They rely on their swift speed for a bunch of critical survival skills.
Escaping Predators
One of the main reasons they need to run faster is to stay safe from predators. Hawks, foxes, and snakes often hunt these little critters. Being able to zoom away at the first sign of danger is a life-saver for them.
When Looking For Food
Speed also helps them in their quest for food. Squirrels are always on the lookout for nutritious treats like nuts and seeds.
Being fast means they can scout out the best snacks before other animals—or even other squirrels—get to them.
Plus, when they find food, they need to be quick to stash it away for later, especially when winter is coming and food becomes scarce.
Traveling
Their speedy skills also come in handy for getting around their homes, which can be quite spread out.
Whether they’re navigating the treetops or scurrying across the ground, squirrels can cover a lot of ground fast.
This is important for them to find shelter, escape the elements, or even chase after a potential mate during mating season.
How Do Squirrels Stack Up Against Other Animals?
Squirrels are swift, but they’re not exactly setting world records. You can’t really compare these rodents with animals like cheetahs, greyhounds, or horses. These aforementioned animals are on an entirely different level of speed.
A Unique Set of Skills
But squirrels have their own set of skills that make them unique.
Their agility is remarkable when it comes to navigating the treetops. They can leap from branch to branch with the grace of an acrobat, making them fascinating to watch.
Squirrels have an excellent ability to change direction. They can twist, turn, and dodge around obstacles at a whim.
They don’t just run in a straight line; they can artfully zigzag around complex environments.
Squirrels have excellent reaction times. This means they can make split-second decisions that help them avoid predators or snatch up a tasty snack.
Their fluffy tails also play a role in their agility, acting as a rudder to help them steer and balance as they leap and sprint through their arboreal obstacle courses.
Squirrels: Rapid Rodents
In the end, squirrels may not win a race against the fastest animals on the planet, but they’re still incredible in how they move. They’re built for short bursts of speed, and have special skills that set them apart from other wildlife.
The speed of a squirrel depends on the species. The fastest squirrel species can reach speeds of up to 20 mph.
