Les Jones: Flying Squirrels

October 24, 2005

Science > Flying Squirrels

The other day I mentioned that there flying squirrels live in the spruce-fir zone in the Smokies. After doing a little reading, I realized that the exceptional thing is that the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) lives there. Here's the U.S. range map for the species.

The Northern Flying Squirrel, like the spruce and fir trees, is adapted to cold weather. The population in the Smokies is left over from the last ice age. Those species would have flourished in Tennessee's low elevations during the ice age, but as temperatures rose they retreated to colder climates, either northward or upslope to higher elevations. With the Smokies population cut off from the main population they've differentiated and formed a recognized and endangered sub-species, the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus).

I knew that there were flying squirrels in the Smokies. What I didn't know is that there are flying squirrels all over Tennessee, North Carolina, and other southern states, as well as most of the Northeastern U.S. The species we have is the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans), which is smaller and better adapted to warm climates. Range map here.

I've never seen one, probably because they're small and nocturnal. They also don't build easy to spot leafy nests like gray squirrels do. Instead, they live in woodpecker holes and natural cavities. This is an excellent site about the world's flying squirrels. Now that I know more about them I'd love to see one in the wild.

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Comments

I had one nest in my bathroom last winter, and there is a reliable winter colony in an outbuilding behind my house. Try leaving a box of rags in your shed. Don't dilly-dally; it's getting chilly.

Posted by: persimmon at October 24, 2005

Do they taste good?

Posted by: countertop at October 25, 2005

They're too small to bother eating, about the size of a chipmunk. Big, adorable eyes, however.

Posted by: persimmon at October 25, 2005

06/15/06
while mowing my yard, something flew by me and landed on a tree trunk nearby. I was surprised to see it was a flying squirrel. I had never seen one before and didn't know they existed in the chattanooga area

Posted by: John J Niederhauser at June 15, 2006

I love flying squrriels and i am learninng all about them....there my favorite animall!!!! yay flying squrriels

Posted by: Abby at December 01, 2006

Does any one have them for sale?

Posted by: Tylor O at January 09, 2007

I have several families living in and around my house, I'm unsure if I am supposed to sell them, but would consider for a price.

Posted by: c leonard at January 18, 2007

I'd like to purchase a baby northern flying squirrel too. Anyone near New York? Let me know please at boavindaaminhacama@gmail.com

Posted by: Hannah at January 20, 2007

I am also VERY interested in obtaining some northern flyers. I have my class C. USDA exhibitors license and would love to have some for my educational programs that I do with exotic animals. I have other animals I can offer for trade or money. Will pay for shipping, health certificate and shipping kennel. Contact me at kanucas4@aol.com or call me at (360)-461-7930 SERIOUSE SELLERS ONLY! If you can't speak good english and are not from this country don't even bother!

Posted by: Kiki Littlefish at March 12, 2007

i love the southern flying squirrels and im trying to catch 1, i live in a forest with birdhouses all around.

Posted by: Zach at March 28, 2007

awwww it is so cute
i love squirrels!!!!!!!!

Posted by: jim at April 10, 2007

Have one comming to our bird feeder every night. Have some good pictures

Posted by: Doug at May 20, 2007

muy redondorops! ay lav llu!!

Posted by: Jarporops at July 24, 2007

Jarporops Redondondorops ai lav llu!

Posted by: Maxima de la Maxima at August 28, 2007

nice

Posted by: at December 14, 2007

Amazingly enough I saw my first one the other night and he was so friendly and got so close while I was raking leaves (at night because I procrastinate and have nice spotlights) that we named him scooter and I planned on setting up a feeder for him.

Well, the next night I see one of the neighborhood cats fiddling with what I think is a mouse, I go to save it and the next thing I know, scooter is on my back. I was so excited that he could be that friendly that I decided to catch him (on me) and keep him. He stays in my shirt for warmth and a bird cage at night so I don't crush him.

They're so lovable. I think anyone who wants a small portable pet that's loving should get one.

Posted by: Krystal at January 16, 2008

stuped

Posted by: bob at March 27, 2008

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