Why do squirrels run in short spurts, rather than one long burst. I have often observed this.?

Answer 1

When a squirrel senses danger, its first instinct is to stand motionless. If on the ground it will race to the closest tree, or other climbable object to escape. If it is in a tree, it will circle the trunk with its body pressed tightly to the bark.

The squirrel's erratic path while crossing a street is an attempt to confuse the oncoming vehicle... thereby causing it to change direction. This is obliviously the squirrels biggest, and often last mistake.

So, since it's first instinct is to remain still and then run away as quickly as possible, they often end up running and stopping, running and stopping, as they try to decide when it is safe.

Here is some other interesting squirrel info:
"How fast can a squirrel run? Squirrels look like they run fast and for there size and weight they do. There is an old story of an Illinois state police officer that once clocked a gray squirrel, with his radar gun at 20 mph. as it was running across a highway. Other research has shown similar speed for Gray squirrels.
How far can a squirrel jump? On the ground they hop. Usually moving six to twelve inches at a time. It is not uncommon for a squirrel to hop or jump up to six feet in one bound. Of course, if you have ever seen a squirrel race through a tree, you know they can easily jump between branches of greater distances. "

Answer 2

This is simple, when looking for food on the ground the general area is full of food for their diet. They only need to go a short distance (short spurts). Now watch a dog or other animal spot the squirrel, the little guy will have saved enough energy for the needed long burst that keeps him out of danger. The squirrel will not stop (short spurts) if something is chasing it. They conserve their energy for that moment. The motionless moments are when they since danger is near, as a first defense. Why waste the energy?!

Answer 3

It's their psyche that is also made into the distances they travel from home. As well, their short bursts of speed are so rapid as are their very rapid and sudden change of direction, that that's often all they need to get away from their pursuers. God Bless you.

Answer 4

Several reasons:
1. they have High metabolism and cannot burn that much fuel (like a cheetah) without resting
2. There is no NEED as they usually do not stray far from their arborial habitat
3. They are designed for acceleration and turning, not top speed. distance running favor top speed animals like dogs, deer etc
4. they are fat little animals that are out of shape and do not desire the 'marathon' antics of other animals!

Answer 5

I think they run to different places smelling or looking around for acorns. Maybe they are short sighted but in a hurry or maybe they are just built to be sprinters instead of endurance runners, to the extreme.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

My theory is that if they ran at a constant speed, they'd be easier for a hawk to catch. But since they are unpredictable, it is harder for a predator to fly/run an intercept course.

Answer 8

They stop frequently and if you watch, they will turn their head and scan the area before moving on. It is a self-defense. If there is danger, they will immediatly run up the nearest tree.

Answer 9

My pet sqrl Salty tells me it is so he can reference his position.

When he runs everythings bouncing around and he's got to keep an eye out for threats.

So he stops every now and then to figure out where he is and where he's going to next...

Salty says we humans should do this more often too...

Answer 10

I believe it is because they cannot see very well. They jump to a site they believe safe then pause, hoping a hawk hasn't seen them. Then they look for another spot to go to next.