Flying Squirrels - Breeders

Flying Squirrels - Reproduction

Courtesy of Minnesota DNR © 2003 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The female raises her offspring on her own and is considered a responsible parent. It will defend its den and siblings in the case of danger. Flying Squirrels usually re-locate their nests if they feel threatened. Gestation period is usually forty days. The litter averages 2-4 babies. Individual Flying Squirrels can produce up to seven babies.

The babies are born blind and tiny. The Flying Squirrel's baby weighs usually a quarter-ounce or so. They spend the first weeks of their life in the den that is covered with leaves, moss, and feathers. By the age of three weeks old, their ears open. So do the eyes at the age of four weeks. Soon after that little Flying Squirrels learn to glide and explore the area. The babies stay with their mother until a new litter is born. Then they leave the nest and search for appropriate sites. Flying Squirrels reach sexual maturity at the age of one year old.

Flying Squirrels - General Information Links

ADF & G Wildlife Series - General description, habitat requirements, life history, food habits, predators and parasites, economic and ecological value, and management considerations.

Animal Facts: Southern Flying Squirrel - General information, habits and habitats, description, and natural history.

Courtesy of The Squireel Hopper © 2003 The Soft Factory

Calgary's Weaselhead Society: Flying Squirrels - General information on the species.

California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System - Distribution, abundance, and seasonality, specific habitat requirements, and life history.

Comparative Mammalian Brain Collection: Flying Squirrels - Physical characteristics and distribution, and brain collection.

Eastern Flying Squirrel - Description, distribution in Texas, and habits.

Florida Wildlife Magazine: Flying Squirrels - Information on the Southern Flying Squirrel and photo tips.

Flying Squirrel Project - The Flying Squirrel Project live traps and radio-collars northern and southern Flying Squirrels. Learn more.

Flying Squirrels - Elusive Forest Friends - Article by Shawn Gerrow on the species. Information on life style and peculiarities.

Flying Squirrels - Information on the Northern and Southern Flying Squirrel.

Flying Squirrels Links - Links to species related sites.

Flying Squirrels: Life History & Michigan History - General information and links.

Hang Gliders of the Alaska Night - This article is provided as a public service by the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, in cooperation with the UAF research community.

Nature Snapshots: Flying Squirrel - Identification, reproduction, food, predators, habitat and range, population and management, fun facts, and links.

New World Flying Squirrels - The article highlights the life style of the species.

Northern Flying Squirrel - Geographic range, physical characteristics, natural history, economic importance for humans, and conservation information.

Northern Flying Squirrels - Description, distribution, natural history, and conservation biology information.

Northern Flying Squirrels Description - Description, distribution, natural history, significance, and management considerations.

Simple Nesting Box Plan - Information on the construction of a nesting box for the species.

Courtesy of Webshots Community © 1995-2003 Twofold Photos, Inc.

Southern Flying Squirrel Description - Description, habits, reproduction, food, habitat, limiting factors, management and outlook.

Southern Flying Squirrels - Includes brief description as well as information on habits, reproduction, and management.

Species Maturation and Reproduction - PDF file with information on Northern Flying Squirrels in Pacific Northwest Forests.

Species Profile for Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel - Current status, habitat requirements, and other information.

Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation - Information on the Northern Flying Squirrel and pictures.

The Biogeography of Northern Flying Squirrel - Description of species, habitat, natural history, evolution, distribution, and other interesting issues.

The Flying Squirrel: The Cherub of the Animal Kingdom - General information on the species and its habits.

Wildlife in Connecticut - PDF file with information on the Northern and the Southern Flying Squirrel.

Wildlife: Flying Squirrels Take off at Night - Article by Scott Shalaway highlights his experience with Flying Squirrels and general information on the species.