How High Can Squirrels Jump?

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We know that they can jump, and we also know that they can get into all sorts of places that we would rather they didn’t, but if you don’t know exactly how high, and how far, squirrels can jump, you won’t know how far back to strip your trees, how far away to move your bird feeder, or how to incorporate other smart property modifications that will put you one step ahead of this nuisance creature.



Of course, the height and distance a squirrel can jump will depend on the species you’re talking about. The most common pest squirrel species is the Eastern Gray squirrel, and that one can jump to a height of around three to five feet, and also around seven to ten feet across too. That’s many times the actual size of the animal, giving you a good idea of how strong its muscles are. Many things will have an impact on the length and height a squirrel can jump, however; weight, size, age, injuries and illness, etc.

What you can do with this information is protect your home or building better. If you know that squirrels can jump up to ten feet across — horizontally - you must ensure that tree branches are kept at least ten feet from any part of your building, including the roof. Bear in mind that squirrels will be just as happy to hop down, as they will be to jump up and/or across.

When you know squirrels can only jump a few feet up in the air, you know that keeping Bird feeders higher than this, and with a baffle, is the best defense you have. Using a combination of modifications — simple ones at that — can offer the best barrier between you and the nuisance wildlife you’d like to keep at bay.

Go back to the Squirrel Removal page, or learn tips to do it yourself with my How to Get Rid of Squirrels guide.