Can Squirrels Hurt Themselves Falling? Exploring the Physics of Squirrel Plummeting
No, generally, squirrels don’t seriously hurt themselves falling from great heights. Their unique physiology, lightweight bodies, and specialized maneuvering abilities allow them to survive falls that would be fatal for many other animals.
Squirrels are ubiquitous in urban and natural environments, and their acrobatic feats are a common sight. They leap from branch to branch, scale trees with ease, and occasionally, they fall. This raises a frequently pondered question: Can squirrels hurt themselves falling? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no and involves a fascinating interplay of physics, biology, and evolutionary adaptation. This article delves into the science behind squirrels’ seemingly gravity-defying abilities.
Understanding the Squirrel’s Physiological Advantages
Squirrels possess several key characteristics that minimize the risk of injury from falls.
-
Small Size and Low Weight: A squirrel’s relatively small size and low weight are arguably the most crucial factors. Smaller animals have a higher surface area-to-weight ratio. This increases air resistance, slowing their descent and reducing impact velocity.
-
Fluffy Tail as a Parachute: The bushy tail acts as a rudimentary parachute, increasing drag and further slowing the squirrel’s fall. It also helps with maneuverability in the air, allowing them to adjust their trajectory.
-
Flexible Skeletal System: Squirrels have a relatively flexible skeletal system and strong leg muscles. This combination allows them to absorb a significant amount of impact force upon landing.
-
Ability to “Spread Out”: When falling, squirrels instinctively spread their limbs, increasing their surface area and acting almost like a tiny flying squirrel (though without a patagium).
The Physics of Falling and Terminal Velocity
To understand why squirrels can survive falls, we need to consider the physics of falling and the concept of terminal velocity. Terminal velocity is the constant speed a freely falling object eventually reaches when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity.
Larger, heavier objects have a higher terminal velocity. Because squirrels are small and lightweight, their terminal velocity is relatively low – approximately 12 miles per hour. This relatively slow speed significantly reduces the force of impact upon landing.
| Animal | Approximate Terminal Velocity (mph) |
|---|---|
| ————— | ———————————– |
| Human | 120 |
| Cat | 60 |
| Squirrel | 12 |
| Small Insect | Very Low |
Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Injury
While squirrels are generally well-equipped to survive falls, there are circumstances in which they can hurt themselves falling.
-
Falls Onto Unforgiving Surfaces: Landing on a hard, unyielding surface like concrete can increase the risk of injury compared to landing on grass or soft soil.
-
Falls Through Obstacles: Falling through branches or power lines can cause injuries due to impact with those objects.
-
Young or Weakened Squirrels: Young squirrels, or those that are sick or injured, may be more vulnerable to injury from falls due to weaker bones or slower reaction times.
-
Unexpected Obstructions: A sudden gust of wind or an unexpected obstruction can disrupt the squirrel’s ability to orient itself and land properly.
Comparing Squirrel Falls to Other Animals
The squirrel’s ability to survive falls stands in stark contrast to that of larger animals. A human falling from a significant height will almost certainly sustain severe injuries or death. This is due to the much higher terminal velocity and impact force. Cats, while also having a relatively low terminal velocity due to their agility and flexible bodies, are still more vulnerable to serious injury than squirrels. The key is the combination of small size, low weight, and specialized adaptations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels and Falls
Here are some frequently asked questions about the physics and biology of squirrel falls:
What is the terminal velocity of a squirrel?
The terminal velocity of a squirrel is approximately 12 miles per hour. This relatively low speed is due to their small size, low weight, and the increased air resistance provided by their bushy tail and outstretched limbs.
Can squirrels die from falling out of trees?
While it’s rare, squirrels can die from falling out of trees, especially if they land on a hard surface, encounter obstructions during the fall, or are already weakened by illness or injury.
Do baby squirrels survive falls?
Baby squirrels are more vulnerable to injury from falls than adult squirrels. They have less developed bones and muscles and may not have fully developed their reflexes for orienting themselves during a fall. However, even baby squirrels have a better chance of surviving a fall than many other animals of similar size.
How high can a squirrel fall without getting hurt?
There is no definitive height at which a squirrel is guaranteed to get hurt. Squirrels have been observed to survive falls from significant heights, even exceeding 100 feet. The surface they land on plays a much larger role.
Do squirrels have a natural instinct to minimize fall damage?
Yes, squirrels have a strong natural instinct to minimize fall damage. They instinctively spread their limbs to increase air resistance, use their tail for balance and maneuvering, and attempt to land on their feet.
What type of injuries are most common in squirrels that fall?
The most common injuries in squirrels that fall include bruises, sprains, and fractures. More severe injuries, such as head trauma or internal injuries, are less common but can occur.
Does the type of tree a squirrel falls from affect its chances of injury?
The type of tree itself has less impact than the surrounding environment. A fall through dense branches can increase the risk of injury, regardless of the species of tree. Open falls with no obstructions are generally safer.
Are flying squirrels more prone to injuries from falls?
Interestingly, flying squirrels are actually less prone to injuries from falls. The “flying” membrane between their limbs allows them to glide and control their descent with even greater precision.
How do squirrels orient themselves in mid-air?
Squirrels use a combination of visual cues and inner ear balance mechanisms to orient themselves in mid-air. They can quickly adjust their body position to ensure they land feet-first.
Do squirrels ever learn from falls?
While it’s difficult to say definitively if squirrels “learn” from falls in the same way humans do, it is likely that they adjust their behavior based on past experiences. For example, a squirrel that has fallen from a particular branch may be more cautious when approaching it in the future.
What role does evolution play in the squirrel’s ability to survive falls?
Evolution has played a significant role in shaping the squirrel’s ability to survive falls. Natural selection has favored squirrels with characteristics that minimize the risk of injury, such as small size, low weight, flexible skeletons, and bushy tails.
If I find a squirrel that has fallen and appears injured, what should I do?
If you find a squirrel that has fallen and appears injured, it is best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to properly assess the squirrel’s injuries and provide appropriate care. Do not attempt to handle the squirrel yourself, as they can bite.