Several years ago I watched a documentary on squirrels and their amazing problem-solving abilities. A course was set up between a squirrel and food (probably nuts), then an impediment was put in the way. Squirrel defeated that. Another impediment was added to the first. Squirrel defeated both of them. It went on and on. Impressive.
Obviously when it comes to crossing roads, the problem solving is not top-notch.
The squirrel’s eyes are set to the sides of the animals head so when it uses its eyes it gets two separate settings. When the squirrel stops in the road it does so because the two different scenes confuse it momentarily.