Squirrels are a common sight, often seen scampering up trees or leaping between branches with surprising agility. This acrobatic lifestyle sometimes leads to seemingly impossible falls from great heights, yet these small creatures frequently emerge unharmed. The ability of squirrels to survive such descents often sparks curiosity, leading many to wonder how they manage to endure impacts that would be devastating for larger animals.
Understanding the Fall
An object falling through the air experiences two main forces: gravity pulling it downward and air resistance pushing against its motion. As an object accelerates, air resistance increases until it balances the force of gravity. The object then stops accelerating, falling at a constant speed known as its terminal velocity. For squirrels, this terminal velocity is relatively low due to their small mass and large surface area.
A squirrel’s terminal velocity is about 20 to 23 miles per hour (32 to 37 kilometers per hour). This speed is reached quickly, so whether a squirrel falls from a 30-foot tree or a 300-foot building, its impact speed will be roughly the same. This low terminal velocity is a primary reason squirrels survive falls that would be fatal for larger creatures, as impact force is significantly reduced.
Squirrel’s Built-in Survival Kit
Squirrels possess several biological and physical adaptations for falls. Their small size and light body weight are fundamental, as less mass results in less force upon impact. A typical grey squirrel, for instance, weighs about 0.5 kilograms (1 pound). This low mass, combined with a relatively large surface area, means they experience considerable air resistance, effectively slowing their descent.
When falling, squirrels instinctively splay their limbs, creating a larger surface area that maximizes air resistance, similar to a parachute effect. Their long, bushy tail also acts as a stabilizer, helping control orientation and trajectory in the air, much like a rudder. The tail can also help them right their bodies and prepare for a feet-first landing. Squirrels also have a flexible skeletal structure and strong muscles that help absorb and distribute impact force upon landing. Their resilient bones can withstand bending and twisting, minimizing severe injury.
Beyond the Fall: What Happens Next?
While squirrels are resilient, surviving a high fall does not always mean they are entirely unharmed. They are not invincible; despite adaptations, injury is still possible, even if not fatal. Common injuries include sprains, internal bruising, or broken bones, especially if they land awkwardly or hit an obstacle.
Often, a squirrel appears stunned or disoriented briefly after a fall before quickly recovering. Their natural resilience allows them to quickly regain composure, scamper away, and resume activities. While their bodies are well-equipped to manage fall forces, the outcome can still vary depending on factors like the landing surface and angle of impact.