All tree squirrels have the ability to jump agilely between trees, utility, poles, roofs, fences, and other obstacles, but flying squirrels have the ability to cover much greater distances in the air. However, their name is a misnomer. While their movement resembles flight, it can more accurately be described as gliding.

Do Flying Squirrels Really Fly?

Flying squirrels are mammals, and there is only one type of mammal capable of true flight: the bat. Flying squirrels seem to fly, but they don’t have the ability to propel themselves upward, so what they do can’t really be considered flying.

A flying squirrel has a thin membrane of flesh that connects the front foot and the back foot on each side of its body. The scientific name for this membrane is a patagium. While it may resemble a wing, a better analogy for the patagium is a parachute or a hang glider.

When a flying squirrel jumps, it spreads both its front limbs and back limbs outward, forming roughly an X-shape. This causes the membranes on either side of its body to spread out. The membranes create the drag, which slows the squirrel’s descent. The squirrel can move its front limbs to change direction, and its tail helps to slow it down as it lands.

Even though flying squirrels do not really fly, they can cover impressively large distances while gliding. With a single leap, they can travel between 150 to 500 feet by some estimates.

Where Do Flying Squirrels Live?

There are two species of flying squirrels that live in North America: northern and southern. The range of the southern flying squirrel extends to Canada’s maritime provinces, but generally speaking, a Canadian flying squirrel is a northern flying squirrel as they are found in nearly every province and territory.

As for their habitat, flying squirrels can make homes in either coniferous or deciduous woodlands, but they do like forested regions so they can launch themselves from tall trees. Flying squirrels often use the abandoned nests of other animals rather than building their own nests. In the winter, they may keep warm by nesting together.

What Do Flying Squirrels Eat?

One of the reasons why flying squirrels make their homes in forests is because they like to eat nuts and seeds from the trees. Nevertheless, they are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders that can also eat fruits, insects, and fungi. Southern flying squirrels, the less common species in Canada, may also eat scavenge carrion or eat eggs. Along with the membranes that allow it to glide, the flying squirrel’s diet is one thing that distinguishes it from other tree squirrels, most of which are herbivorous and do not eat animals.

What Do Flying Squirrels Look Like?

Flying squirrels are smaller than most other tree squirrel species. They are around 8 to 12 inches long and only weigh around 45 to 82 grams. The lighter weight is an advantage when it comes to gliding. Flying squirrels have small heads and big eyes. The fur on their backs is reddish brown, while the fur on their bellies is lighter. The northern flying squirrel has silver-gray fur on its belly.

The most distinctive characteristic of the flying squirrel is the patagium on either side of its body that connects the front foot to the back foot. The membranes are most noticeable while the squirrel is gliding. They are still visible when the squirrel keeps its legs close to its body but may be less recognizable.

Why Should You Call Skedaddle for Squirrel Removal in Victoria?

Flying squirrels may have capabilities that other tree squirrels don’t have, but they have the same needs, such as a safe place to make a nest. Therefore, flying squirrels could get into your home, requiring you to consider how to get rid of squirrels. There are areas in which northern flying squirrel subspecies are threatened by habitat loss, making humane squirrel removal even more important. Learn more about how Skedaddle can help.