Why Do Squirrels Run In Front Of Cars?

Squirrels are among the animals drivers see dart into the road most often. Why do they run right in front of cars?

Squirrels seem to treat an oncoming car like a predator. Their instinct is to freeze, then dash and change direction suddenly. That zigzag works against a hawk or a fox, but against a fast car it often sends them straight into its path.

Many animals are killed on roads every year, including squirrels, deer, birds, cats and dogs.

A squirrel in the road is a danger to itself, and a driver who swerves to avoid it can cause a crash. Here's why squirrels do it and what drivers should do.

Why Do Squirrels Run In Front Of Cars?

Squirrels don't understand cars. They seem to react to them the way they react to predators.

Against predators, a squirrel often freezes first, since stillness makes it harder to spot. If the predator keeps coming, the squirrel bolts and changes direction sharply and unpredictably.

Many predators can't turn as quickly, so this works well in the wild. A car, though, is moving far too fast. By the time the squirrel commits to a direction, the car is already there.

The squirrel may also reverse course halfway across the road, which is why drivers often see them run out, stop, and run back.

Will A Squirrel Survive if Struck By A Car?

Some squirrels do survive being hit, but many have serious injuries that aren't obvious. A squirrel lying still may be in shock or badly hurt, not just resting.

If you find an injured squirrel, don't try to nurse it yourself. Cornell's wildlife hospital advises contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and not giving the animal food or water unless a professional tells you to.

Injured wild animals may bite, so don't pick one up with bare hands. If a rehabilitator says it's safe, you can place it in a box in a quiet, dark, warm area away from children and pets.

Leave its care to a licensed rehabilitator. Your state wildlife agency can help you find one.

Only stop if you can do so safely, away from traffic.

How To Avoid Hitting A Squirrel While Driving?

Always Be On The Lookout

Many drivers notice more squirrels on the road in late summer and fall. Squirrels are busy gathering and burying food for the winter, and young squirrels born earlier in the year are out on their own.

Tree squirrels are active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Watch for them on wooded roads and in neighborhoods with lots of trees.

Practice Defensive Driving

Drive at a safe speed and stay alert, especially on tree-lined streets. That gives you more time to react to any animal.

Never Swerve

Your safety and the safety of other people come first. Don't swerve sharply or slam on the brakes for a small animal like a squirrel.

Swerving can make you lose control, hit another vehicle, or run off the road. If you can slow down safely, do so; otherwise, keep your lane.

Final Words

Squirrels run in front of cars because their predator-escape instincts don't work against vehicles. Watch for them, drive at a safe speed, and never swerve dangerously to avoid one.

If you hit a squirrel and it's still alive, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of trying to care for it yourself.

Sources

• What to Do If You Find an Injured Animal, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine