Gray squirrels can jump impressive distances both horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, they can leap about 6 to 9 feet from one branch or tree to another, and some sources report up to 10 feet on a flat surface with a running start

. When dropping from one limb to another, they can vault distances up to 16 feet

. Vertically, squirrels can jump about 4 to 6 feet from the ground or from one branch to another

. Their strong back legs and agility allow them to make these jumps, and their bushy tails help with balance and control during leaps

. These abilities enable squirrels to navigate complex arboreal environments and evade predators effectively. In summary:

• Horizontal jump distance: approximately 6 to 10 feet, with some vaults up to 16 feet.
• Vertical jump height: about 4 to 6 feet.
• They can also spring vertically from the ground up to 5 feet or more

This athleticism explains why squirrels can easily reach bird feeders or jump between trees and buildings.