Flying Squirrels

Category: Rodents

Scientific Name: Glaucomys (spp.)

 

Identification:

Color: Body is brown on top and white underneath, with large black eyes

Size: Body is 8.9 to 14 cm in length

Region: Found throughout the US and Canada

Important Considerations:

  • This squirrel actually does not “fly,” but rather it glides using the loose skin between it’s arms and legs
  • They can glide over 80 yards
  • Their gestation period lasts about 40 days, and there are 2-6 young per litter
  • Adults have lived up to 13 years in captivity
  • These squirrels have been known to carry diseases, but direct transmission to humans is very rare
  • They are the smallest of tree squirrels, are the only ones who are nocturnal, and are the most carnivorous out of all the squirrels

 

Where to Find Them on Your Property?

You can find Flying Squirrels in your attic where they can keep you up with their nocturnal activity, and potentially cause odor and damage with their urine. Otherwise, they likely will not reside anywhere else in your home. They like to form their habitats the most in places like woodlots, trees, and mixed forests. They feed on items such as acorns, nuts, seeds, berries and bird eggs.