Why do squirrels run really fast then stop?

It's so weird/cute I was just wondering.Why do squirrels run really fast then stop?
Squirrels are prey animals. Most of the threat to a squirrels life comes from the air, not the ground.





In other words a hawk is far more likely to kill a squirrel, than a fox.





So a squirrel runs very fast, then makes a sudden stop...a bird of prey cannot react that fast. Most of them will overfly the squirrel, when they are in a killing dive.





Stopping running also allows the squirrel to be able to listen really well. No noise of rustling leaving or twigs.





Running fast and sudden stops are an adaptation that saves their lives.





~Garnet


Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years


Active wildlife study over 40 yearsWhy do squirrels run really fast then stop?
Making sudden stops or changes in direction allows them to avoid predators (except for the car). It's a survival trait.
something else became more important
because they get pooped !





Lol, or possibly to observe / mock us





hehe