

There are two subspecies of the Southern Flying Squirrel in the southern Appalachians, the Carolina Northern flying squirrel, G.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__mnn__images__2016__11__southern-flying-squirrel-de365f0bc2fc41fe9c2a104e3ca199b1.jpg)
Belly hair differs but can also vary (Northern has dark gray belly hair at the base tipped with a lighter color, Southern is more white.).Southern tend to be more grayish, but color is variable, and they are smaller, at about 8-10 inches.Northern adults are larger, measuring about 10-12 inches (but juveniles could be confused with adult Southern) with cinnamon /grayish/ reddish-brown or blackish brown fur.It is hard to distinguish between the two, although Species : Two species are found in North America: Northern ( Glaucomy sabrinus) and Southern ( Glaucomy volans). His wildlife cam captured the culprit.Ĭontents: Species, Interesting Facts, Identification, Distribution, Preferred Nesting Habitat, Diet, Nesting Behavior, Nestboxes, Nestbox Location, Recommended Distance Between Nestboxes, Monitoring, Nesting Timetable, Longevity, More Info. The suit works to slow their descent and allows them to maneuver through the air.Īdditional facts courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation.Gene Glaser of MO was trying to figure out who was eating his suet at night. Base jumpers and skydivers have developed a special suit that mimics the flying squirrel. Humans have long been envious of the flying squirrel’s gliding abilities.Flying squirrels can live up to 10 years in captivity, or about half that in the wild.Nevertheless, owls, hawks, tree snakes, and climbing mammals frequently manage to catch and consume these tiny rodents. Once a flying squirrel lands on a tree trunk following a flight, they promptly scurry to the other side of the trunk to avoid any predators that may have followed them.Northern flying squirrels are 10 to 12 inches long. The southern species is smaller, about 8 to 10 inches in length. Size is one way to tell northern and southern flying squirrels apart.Northern flying squirrels ( Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern flying squirrels are the only two native flying squirrel species found in North America.You might also hear soft thumping noises when they land, or the sound of their scurrying feet on tree trunks, rooftops or even attics.

You can sometimes hear flying squirrels call from treetops. Flying squirrels can be attracted to a platform feeder with sunflower seeds, peanut better, and other nuts and suet. In residential areas, they will use birdhouses placed 20 to 30 feet above the ground. Although they can glide one-third the length of a football field, they more often glide two or three car lengths.įlying squirrels live in tree cavities, often those created by woodpeckers. They use their broad, flat tails to steer. When they extend their front and hind legs, the membrane stretches out and supports the squirrel in a glide for long distances.
FLYING SQUIRREL WHATSYOURSIGN SKIN
Instead, a loose fold of skin extends from wrist to ankle. They are about five inches long and weigh a little more than a king-size chocolate bar.īats are the only mammals that truly fly - flying squirrels do not. Flying squirrels are small relatives of gray and fox squirrels. Flying squirrels can be common near extensive woods, where they are active only at night. If you venture out near the woods after dark, you might hear the high-pitched cry of a flying squirrel.
