What is the 5 7 9 rule for squirrels?

The 5 7 9 rule for squirrels is a guideline used for placing bird feeders to make them squirrel-proof, based on squirrels' jumping abilities. The rule states that squirrels cannot jump more than 5 feet vertically from the ground, cannot jump more than 7 feet horizontally from a tree, building, or other launch point, and cannot jump down more than 9 feet from above onto a feeder. So to keep squirrels off a bird feeder, you should place the feeder at least 5 feet off the ground on a pole with a baffle, at least 7 feet away from any tree, fence, roof, or other structure that a squirrel could jump from, and if hanging from above, at least 9 feet below any branch or structure above. When all three distances are met, most gray squirrels cannot reach the feeder by jumping. This rule is widely used by birding enthusiasts and feeder manufacturers to design squirrel-proof setups. It is important to note that the rule is based on averages for Eastern gray squirrels and some athletic squirrels may exceed these distances slightly, and squirrels can also climb poles unless baffles are used, so combining the 5 7 9 rule with a pole baffle and keeping the area below feeders clean of fallen seed gives the best results. It is not a guarantee but a practical guideline.