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The Arboreal Acrobatics of the Western Gray Squirrel

CSEF · 2004 Mammalian Biology

Henry J. Perazzelli · St. Paul the Apostle School, Los Angeles

Overview

Objectives/Goals I chose to test the jumping ability of squirrels because I have enjoyed watching them in my backyard, running, leaping and chasing each other. My objective for this experiment was to find the extent of the squirrel's jumping capability on a horizontal scale. From my previous research, I hypothesized that all the squirrels being tested would be willing to jump at least two meters. Methods/Materials For this experiment, I used a 30" round board, a 1/2" I.D. steel pipe, and several pieces of plywood. I placed food on a red and white target. Three wild squirrels participated in the experiment. The process was to move the ramp back a 1/4 of a meter every time the squirrels successfully jumped the distance. Results In general, all the squirrels were able to jump one meter. The medium squirrel was able to jump 1.75 meters horizontally. The small sized squirrel was able to jump 1.5 meters and the large squirrel was able to jump 1.0 meter. In all there were 30 observed successful attempts by the squirrels. Conclusions/Discussion I conclude squirrels are territorial and have strong survival skills. I expected to attract numerous squirrels through networking and that did not happen. Also, once the jump was beyond them, they stopped without any further attempts. They will not take risks beyond their capabilities.

Summary statement

My project is about the arboreal acrobatics of the Western Gray Squirrel.

Help received

My father help me to build and photograph this project. My mother helped me collect the supplies.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2004 Mammalian Biology · Entry J1019

Resources

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