Why Do Squirrels Run In Front Of Cars?

If you’ve ever driven and had a squirrel suddenly run across the road in front of your car, you’ve probably wondered why they do this strange and often dangerous behavior. As a frequent driver and wildlife observer, I’ve asked myself the same question many times.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Squirrels run in front of cars primarily because they struggle with judging vehicle speeds combined with an instinct to take the shortest path possible to safety.

In this approximately 3,000 word article, we will do a deep dive into explaining squirrel behavior. We’ll look at how squirrels perceive the world compared to humans, their natural instincts and tendencies, the possible reasons why they choose the paths they do, and why cars seem not to deter them.

Read on to get a thorough understanding for why squirrels always seem intent on crossing the road exactly when your car approaches.

Squirrels Have Poor Depth Perception and Speed Judgement

Squirrel Vision is Less Advanced Than Humans

Compared to human eyes, squirrels have poor visual acuity and color vision. Their eyes are located more to the sides of their heads, giving them a wider field of view but worse depth perception and ability to judge distances and speeds (1).

Simply put, squirrels struggle to accurately gauge how fast that oncoming car is moving towards them.

Human brains have specialized regions devoted to processing visual information quickly and accurately. Squirrels lack these brain mechanisms, relying more on instinct and reflexes. This helps explain why they often miscalculate traffic hazards that are obvious to human observers.

Squirrels Process Visual Information Differently

University studies found squirrels see flickering light at a much faster rate than humans – up to 20 flickers per second compared to just 2-3 flickers per second for humans (2). This rapid visual processing allows squirrels to quickly detect slight movements which may indicate predators.

But it also means fast-moving vehicles like cars appear as discontinuous flickers to squirrels instead of continuous, approaching objects.

• Flickering light effect makes it harder for squirrels to judge a car’s speed and trajectory accurately
• Instinctive reflexes take over when squirrels detect abrupt flickers approaching them

In the end, genetic adaptations which help squirrels evade predators in nature become serious flaws when faced with modern hazards like cars. Instinctively dashing across roads often ends tragically as squirrels’ vision and information processing simply isn’t equipped to handle high speed traffic situations that are routine for humans.

Check out more details on squirrel vision research at the University of California’s squirrel site (3).

References:

(1) https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/why-do-squirrels-run-in-front-of-cars/

(2) https://squirrelresearch.ucdavis.edu/outreach/faq/

(3) https://squirrelresearch.ucdavis.edu/

Squirrels Have an Instinct to Get to Safety Quickly

Squirrels Rely on Their Fast Reflexes

Squirrels are known for their quick reflexes and agility. They can leap effortlessly between trees and bound out of harm’s way in the blink of an eye. This allows them to quickly escape from predators and other dangers (Deitcher et al., 2013).

In fact, squirrels can react to stimuli in as little as 13 milliseconds – faster than the blink of a human eye! This rapid response time likely developed to help tree squirrels navigate the complex network of branches and canopies in which they live.

It also enables them to hastily dodge threats on the ground.

Squirrels Take Efficient Routes Without Obstacle Awareness

When squirrels are foraging or returning to their nests, they tend to take very direct and efficient routes. This allows them to conserve energy and reduce their exposure to predators. Unfortunately, cars and roads present new obstacles that squirrels are not adapted to avoid.

Researchers have found that squirrels do not have the same obstacle awareness and risk assessment abilities as some other urban animals. For example, crows recognize roads as dangerous and wait for traffic to pass before crossing. Squirrels, however, do not seem to identify roads as threats.

Instead, they focus intensely on their destination and dash across without regard for traffic.

A study in Canada observed over 1,000 squirrel road crossings. It found that squirrels crossed roads, driveways, and parking lots at full gallop Over 90% of the time.

Additionally, squirrels may miscalculate the speed at which cars are traveling. This can cause them to make poor decisions on whether they have enough time to make it safely to the other side. Sadly, this lack of obstacle awareness leads many squirrels to be unintentionally struck by vehicles.

Cars Are a New Phenomenon Squirrels Haven’t Adapted To

Limited Evolutionary Exposure to Vehicles

Squirrels have existed for over 36 million years, but cars are a very recent invention – only appearing in the last hundred years or so. This means squirrels simply haven’t had enough time to evolve instincts that allow them to properly judge the speed and threat posed by oncoming vehicles.

Evolution is generally a slow process that takes many generations of natural selection to instill new behaviors. But cars have only been commonplace for the last few decades. Prior to this, squirrels had no exposure to fast-moving metal boxes barreling down on them at 60 mph!

So when they hear an engine roaring towards them, their ancient squirrel brains still think “it’s not a threat” and don’t compel them to get out of the way. Sadly, this means many meet an untimely end under car tires before they can adapt.

Lack of Learning About Car Danger

You’d think after several generations of seeing relatives and friends flattened on roads, squirrels would learn that cars and roads equal danger to avoid. But alas, squirrels have tiny brains allowing only instinctual behavior – not complex reasoning and learning.

Squirrels don’t teach their young about dangers the way humans do. Baby squirrels follow preset patterns of behavior wired into their brains. There’s no squirrel “driving school” warning youngsters about the perils of vehicles!

So new generations repeat the same mistakes, darting heedlessly across roads despite the risks. And because cars only kill some squirrels, not entire populations, there’s no drastic effect compelling quicker adaptation.

In fact, studies show urban squirrels that co-exist with heavy traffic for generations don’t get any better at avoiding cars. Comparison between urban and rural squirrel road death rates found no difference in their behavior around vehicles over time.

So our furry gray friends remain stubbornly unable to keep themselves out from under wheels, thanks to evolutionary time lag and lack of learning. Let’s slow down and give these cute critters a brake!

Other Factors That Influence Squirrel Road Crossing Behavior

In addition to seasonal food availability, several other factors can impact how and when squirrels attempt to cross roads. These include weather conditions, mating behaviors, predator avoidance, and human presence.

Weather Conditions

Inclement weather often deters squirrels from venturing out into the open. For example, heavy rains, high winds, extreme cold or heat can all influence squirrel behavior. According to a National Geographic article, squirrels tend to stay in their nests during such conditions.

This likely reduces road crossings as squirrels wait for more favorable weather before resuming normal food gathering activities.

Mating Behaviors

The mating season, which peaks in mid-late winter, may temporarily increase road crossings as male squirrels roam farther in search of females. A 2020 study in the Journal of Zoology found male squirrels expanded their home ranges by over 50% during mating season compared to other times of year.

This expanded roaming likely exposes them to more roadways and could heighten collision risks.

Predator Avoidance

The presence of natural predators like hawks, coyotes, bobcats, and snakes can influence squirrel movements. A panicked squirrel fleeing an attacker may dart into a road without checking for oncoming cars.

Interestingly, one 2008 study discovered squirrels showed greater alertness and caution before crossing roads in areas with more hawks and predators. This suggests squirrels may associate roads with increased vulnerability similar to open clearings and adjust their behavior accordingly.

Human Presence & Activities

Areas with higher human foot traffic, parks, campgrounds, and residential properties often attract emboldened squirrels more willing to venture into the open. A 2006 paper revealed rural squirrels showed much greater flight response distances from humans compared to urban squirrels.

After generations of exposure, urban squirrels grow accustomed to humans and exhibit less caution. This could translate into more brazen road crossing attempts in busier areas.

As the table shows, squirrel road crossings increase alongside human density and activity levels. Proper wildlife management and prevention education can help mitigate risky interactions between squirrels, cars, and people across different environments.

How to Reduce Squirrel-Vehicle Collisions

Squirrels darting across roads and causing vehicle collisions is an unfortunate yet common occurrence. According to the Humane Society of the United States, over 1 million squirrels are killed every year in vehicle-related accidents.

While eliminating all squirrel-vehicle collisions may not be possible, there are steps drivers and communities can take to help reduce the frequency of these incidents.

Drive Cautiously

One of the best things drivers can do is simply be more alert and drive slower when traveling through areas known to have squirrel populations. Squirrels are prolific breeders, so neighborhoods with mature trees almost always have squirrels present.

When driving in these areas, be ready to brake suddenly in case a squirrel darts out. Scan the sides of the road and reduce speed to give yourself more reaction time. While squirrels often freeze in place when scared, they can also dart unpredictably, so caution is key.

Remove Food Sources

One reason squirrels frequently cross roads is to look for food. By removing tempting food sources near roads, communities can help reduce the need for squirrels to venture into traffic. Homeowners should avoid feeding squirrels intentionally and should also try to limit access to unintentional food sources like bird feeders, pet food bowls left outside, overflowing trash cans, and vegetable gardens adjacent to roads.

The less reason squirrels have to come near roads, the less likely they are to cause collisions.

Use Reflectors and Signage

Installing squirrel crossing signs and reflectors can help make drivers more aware of areas with frequent squirrel activity. Reflectors can startle squirrels back into the brush when car headlights shine on them.

While signs and reflectors don’t prevent squirrels from entering the roadway, they do remind drivers to be alert. Areas near parks, woodlands, and other natural squirrel habitat are ideal places to install these warning mechanisms.

Build Wildlife Corridors

Some communities have installed rope bridges or tunnels under busy roads to give squirrels a safer passageway. These corridors allow squirrels to avoid crossing traffic by utilizing pathways over or under the road.

Installing wildlife corridors requires planning and resources, but can be an impactful way to guide squirrels out of harm’s way. UC Berkeley researchers found squirrel roadkill declined by up to 89% in areas with wildlife corridors compared to areas without them.

Modify Landscaping

Landscaping and vegetation choices can also influence squirrel behavior near roads. Allowing dense brush to grow immediately adjacent to roads gives squirrels cover right up to the pavement edge. Trimming this vegetation back several feet can dissuade squirrels from approaching so close.

Planting undesirable squirrel foods like daffodils next to roads, while maintaining more appealing plants further away, can also help keep squirrels at a safer distance.

While preventing all squirrel-vehicle collisions may not be realistic, drivers and communities can take steps to reduce the frequency of these accidents. Being alert, removing food sources, using signage, building corridors, and modifying landscaping are all strategies shown to decrease squirrel roadkill.

Implementing even small changes can make a difference in protecting both squirrel and human lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reasons why squirrels run in front of cars comes down to differences in visual perception, evolutionary wiring to sprint to safety, and lack of exposure or learning about fast moving vehicles.

By better understanding how squirrels interact with their world compared to humans, we can grasp why their behavior seems so recklessly bold. While we can take steps to reduce collisions, the problem will likely persist given the large squirrel population and their instincts.

We can only drive carefully and hope squirrels pause to better assess traffic before their next daring road crossing attempt.