1. The problem asks for the squirrel's vertical distance from sea level. 2. Elevation is given in feet relative to sea level, which is at 0 feet. 3. The squirrel's elevation is 4 feet. 4. The vertical distance from sea level is the absolute value of the elevation because distance is always positive. 5. Use the formula for distance from zero: $$\text{distance} = |\text{elevation}|$$ 6. Substitute the squirrel's elevation: $$|4| = 4$$ 7. Therefore, the squirrel is 4 feet from sea level. Answer: The squirrel is 4 feet from sea level.