Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an animal guard for posts or the like, which guard includes a vertical tube placed over the post. Extending outwardly from the tube are a plurality of longitudinal fins. The fins are spaced apart such that the distal edges of any two adjacent fins are too far apart for the animal to grasp and climb and the proximal edges of any two adjacent fins are too close together for the animal to be able to climb up the surface of the tube. The fins are too thin for the animal to be able to climb by grasping each side of the fin. The guard is especially effective in deterring squirrels from climbing posts.