how fast can squirrels run

Squirrels can sprint at around 10–14 mph (16–22 km/h) on average, with short top bursts up to about 20 mph (32 km/h) depending on the species and situation.

Quick Scoop: How Fast Can Squirrels Run?

• Typical running speed: about 10–12 mph in routine dashes across the ground.

• Peak sprint speed: up to roughly 20 mph when they’re really pushed, like escaping a predator.

• Species differences:
  • Eastern gray squirrel: often quoted around 18–20 mph at top speed.

* Red and fox squirrels: commonly in the low-to-mid teens (around 12–15 mph), sometimes a bit higher in ideal conditions.

• These speeds are for short bursts on reasonably flat ground; in trees or over rough surfaces they move more erratically and usually slower, relying on agility instead of pure speed.

Why They Feel “Lightning Fast”

From a human perspective, a small animal hitting 15–20 mph and zigzagging between trees looks extremely fast. Their strong hind legs, light bodies, and quick side-to-side changes let them break line of sight and dodge predators in seconds, which is why they’re so hard to chase or photograph.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.