how do squirrels land

Squirrels usually land by spreading their limbs wide to slow down, then bracing with all four feet so the impact is distributed across their body. On branches, they can also grip quickly with flexible feet and use their tails for balance, which helps them stabilize after the landing.

How it works

• They fan out their legs and body to create more air resistance.

• They keep their head and eyes oriented toward the landing spot so they can adjust mid-fall.

• They twist their body in the air to reorient themselves before contact.

• They land low and compact, which helps absorb impact and recover balance fast.

Why they survive falls

Their small size means they reach a relatively low terminal velocity, so even a bad fall is less dangerous than it would be for a larger animal. Their flexible joints and strong limbs also help them handle sudden impact better.

Quick scoop

The classic “superhero pose” is less about drama and more about survival: it helps squirrels slow, stabilize, and spread out the force of landing.