A device and methods of using the device to deter squirrels from accessing an elevated location such as a bird feeder or birdhouse. The device includes an exposed coiled spring that surrounds the supporting pole, stick, wire or string. The coil is exposed, with no structure (e.g., a tube, cylinder, etc.) covering at least the bottom of the coil, preferably the entire length of the coil. When the device is on pole and a squirrel jumps on it as it attempts to climb, the coiled spring collapses under the weight of the squirrel, dropping it back to the ground. When the device is hung above a bird feeder around the support and a squirrel attempts to descend to the feeder, the coiled spring collapses under the squirrels weight, stretching the squirrels body and causing it to pull itself back up to the tree branch.
