Small, tree-dwelling animals rely on acrobatic maneuvers, such as jumping, to negotiate complex, three-dimensional arboreal terrains. These quick maneuvers can involve high velocities and accelerations which result in high dynamic forces. To understand these maneuvers, we measured the forces exerted by free-ranging fox squirrels as they landed on branch-like rods. We used high-speed cameras and a 6-axis force/torque sensor to investigate the landing mechanics of squirrels jumping across two parallel rods perpendicular to the path of motion. The 0.75-inch landing rod was instrumented with the load cell and placed 50 cm away from the take-off rod. Data for 800 g squirrels showed a peak average, total landing force of 17.3 N or 220% body weight. The peak occurred after the front limbs touched down, but before the hind limbs made contact with the rod. Total peak force occurred 40 ms after the forelimbs first contacted the rod. The 50% rise time prior to peak force was 12 ms and the decay time to 50% after the peak was 45 ms. Hind feet touchdown occurred 150 ms after front foot touchdown. Peak horizontal, deceleration reaction forces in the direction of forward motion equaled 136% of body weight. Peak vertical landing forces were 173% of body weight. Time to execute landing, when horizontal force equaled zero, was ~300 ms. Our experimental test bed will be used to measure take-off, landing, and grip forces that characterize energy absorption and generation, anchoring, and adjustments to surface properties. We plan to vary rod diameter and surface properties, gap distance, and rod compliance to test decisions about landing strategies that integrate responses from foot biomechanics to path decisions.