“Flying squirrels don’t actually fly; they glide using a furry membrane called a patagium stretched between their front and back legs. There are about 50 species worldwide. North America has three: the southern, northern, and Humboldt’s flying squirrels. They’re nocturnal, eat nuts, seeds, fungi, and insects, and some glow pink under ultraviolet light.”
Many people live near flying squirrels and never know it. These small, big-eyed rodents spend their days tucked in tree cavities and come out after dark, sailing silently from tree to tree. They’re among the most surprising members of the squirrel family, with remarkable gliding skills, social winter nests, and a hidden glow that scientists only recently noticed.
Flying Squirrel Quick Facts
| Trait | Southern Flying Squirrel | Northern Flying Squirrel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Glaucomys volans | Glaucomys sabrinus |
| Length | About 8 to 10 inches with tail | About 10 to 12 inches with tail |
| Weight | About 1.5 to 3 ounces | About 2.5 to 5 ounces |
| Range | Eastern U.S. into Mexico and Central America | Canada, Alaska, northern U.S., mountains |
| Habitat | Hardwood forests | Conifer and mixed forests |
| Active | Night | Night |
A third North American species, Humboldt’s flying squirrel, lives along the Pacific coast and was recognized as a separate species in 2017 based on genetic studies.
How Flying Squirrels Glide
A flying squirrel’s gliding membrane, the patagium, stretches from wrist to ankle on each side. Special cartilage rods at the wrists extend the membrane further, like the tips of a wing. To glide, a squirrel climbs high, leaps, spreads its limbs, and becomes a living parachute. It steers by adjusting limb position and membrane tension, and uses its flattened tail as a stabilizer and brake.
Just before landing, it pulls up sharply, slowing down and landing feet-first on a tree trunk. Then it often scurries to the other side of the trunk, a move that may help it avoid owls following its path.
How Far Can They Glide?
Typical glides are around 20 to 60 feet, but flying squirrels can travel much farther when launching from high perches, with glides of more than 150 feet reported. Some large Asian flying squirrels can cover even longer distances.
Why Do Flying Squirrels Glow Pink?
In 2019, scientists reported that North American flying squirrels fluoresce pink under ultraviolet light. The discovery happened almost by accident when a researcher shined a UV flashlight on one. It’s still unclear why they glow. Ideas include communication in low light, camouflage from owls that may see UV, or simply a side effect of fur chemistry. Similar glows have since been found in other nocturnal mammals, including platypuses and springhares.
What Flying Squirrels Eat
Flying squirrels are omnivores. Southern flying squirrels eat acorns, hickory nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Northern flying squirrels rely heavily on fungi, including underground truffles, and lichens. By eating truffles and dropping their spores elsewhere, northern flying squirrels help spread the fungi that tree roots depend on, playing an important role in forest health. See why rodents matter to ecosystems.
Nests and Social Life
Flying squirrels nest in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, leaf nests, and sometimes attics and birdhouses. In winter, southern flying squirrels often share nests in groups to conserve heat, sometimes with a dozen or more squirrels huddled together. They don’t hibernate but may become less active in the coldest weather. See do rodents hibernate.
Flying Squirrels Around the World
Most of the world’s flying squirrel species live in Asia, especially in the forests of Southeast Asia. They range from tiny species to giant flying squirrels that can reach around 3 feet in total length including the tail. Other unrelated gliding mammals, like sugar gliders in Australia and scaly-tailed squirrels in Africa, evolved similar membranes independently. See types of squirrels and types of rodents.
Predators
Owls are the main predators of flying squirrels, along with hawks, snakes, raccoons, bobcats, and house cats. Their nocturnal habits, silent glides, and quick trunk-hopping help them avoid many threats.
Flying Squirrels in Your Attic
Because they’re small and nocturnal, flying squirrels sometimes move into attics, where you might hear scampering at night. If this happens:
- Find and seal entry points after the squirrels have left, typically using one-way exclusion doors.
- Avoid sealing them in, especially during baby season in spring and late summer.
- Trim branches that overhang the roof.
- Consider hiring a humane wildlife control professional.
Can You Keep a Flying Squirrel as a Pet?
Flying squirrels are legal to keep in some states with permits and banned in others. They’re nocturnal, need large enclosures and specialized diets, and are best suited to experienced keepers. For most people, it’s better to enjoy them in the wild or with a nest box camera. See exotic vs common pet rodents.
How to See Flying Squirrels
Put out a bird feeder with sunflower seeds or nuts near mature trees and watch after dark with a dim red light, which disturbs them less. Listen for high-pitched chirps. You may be surprised how common they are in your neighborhood.
Flying Squirrels vs Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders look similar but are marsupials from Australia and New Guinea, not rodents. Their gliding membrane evolved separately, another example of convergent evolution. Read about other look-alike myths in rodent myths debunked.
Flying Squirrel Babies
Flying squirrels usually have one or two litters a year, each with a few young. Babies are born hairless with their eyes closed and depend on their mother for several weeks. Their gliding membrane is visible from birth but they don’t glide until they’re around two months old. Mothers are protective and will carry babies to a new nest if disturbed. If you find a young flying squirrel on the ground, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than trying to raise it yourself.
Why Gliding Evolved
Gliding lets flying squirrels move between trees without descending to the ground, where predators wait. It also saves energy compared with climbing down and back up each tree. Gliding has evolved many times in mammals, including in marsupials, colugos, and several rodent lineages, which shows how useful it is for animals living in tall forests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flying squirrels really fly?
No. They glide using a furry membrane between their legs.
How far can a flying squirrel glide?
Usually 20 to 60 feet, and sometimes more than 150 feet from a high launch.
Are flying squirrels nocturnal?
Yes. They’re active at night and rest in nests during the day.
Why do flying squirrels glow under UV light?
Scientists aren’t sure yet. It may help with communication or camouflage.