Abstract: A gripping device intended to improve the grip of a ladder on the rounded surface of a pole, tree, or other cylindrical object, as well as objects that are substantially planar. The invention is designed to attach to the top rung of an extension or straight ladder to prevent the ladder from slipping from or rotating about such a surface. The device gripping is preferably molded from polyethylene or other elastomeric material and it is intended to grip a rung of the ladder (at or adjacent the top rung) when interposed between the rung and the surface against which the ladder is positioned while in use. To minimize the weight of the gripping device, a plurality of elliptical cavities are formed in the device adjacent to each end, and two holes extend longitudinally through the device adjacent its back gripping surface.