What is a squirrel's worst enemy?

A squirrel's worst enemy depends on where it lives, but its most dangerous natural predators are birds of prey and mammalian carnivores that hunt it both in trees and on the ground. In the air, hawks, owls, and eagles are major predators, with red-tailed hawks and great horned owls being especially effective at catching squirrels due to keen eyesight and silent flight, particularly when squirrels are exposed on branches or crossing open ground. On the ground and in trees, mammalian predators like cats, dogs, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, weasels, martens, and snakes, especially rat snakes, are significant enemies that can climb or dig into nests. In urban areas, humans are arguably a squirrel's biggest enemy through cars, habitat destruction, and pest control, as vehicle collisions kill many squirrels. For baby squirrels, crows, raccoons, and snakes that raid nests are major threats. Squirrels have evolved adaptations to avoid enemies, including quick agile movements, alarm calls that warn other squirrels, and zigzag running. Among diseases, mange and other parasites can also be deadly. Overall, while hawks and owls are top natural predators, domestic cats and cars cause a very high number of squirrel deaths in cities and suburbs.