Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels - General Information

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The Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)) is smaller than its northern counterpart. It is found usually in deciduous forests and appears to be rather dominant. The species is said to be more aggressive than the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and tends to defend its territory.

Flying Squirrels - Description

What provides for this gliding ability is a fold of skin that extends from the wrists on the forelegs to the ankles on the hind legs. This membrane, called the patagium, resembles a parachute. When landing on the trunk, Flying Squirrels move rapidly to the other side of the tree to escape predators that might be hunting them.

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Flying Squirrels - Diet

The way Flying Squirrels eat is very interesting. They are active mainly at night and try to gather as much food as possible. Nuts and other products are usually stored in cavities and used in winter, when food is not so abundant. The Flying Squirrel can bring a few hundred nuts during a night and store them in its den. The species builds the nest in trees and covers it with leaves and similar material. In winter, a few Flying Squirrels occupy the same nest for heat conservation.