Environment
Fact Checked

What is a Flying Squirrel?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A flying squirrel is a type of rodent. It is a member of a tribe of squirrels called family Sciuridae. Within this tribe, there are 43 different species.

A flying squirrel does not actually fly. Instead, it launches itself from a high position and extends loose flaps of skin from its arms to its legs. These extended skin flaps allow it to glide through the air. As such, flying squirrels are actually squirrels that glide.

Deforestation poses several problems for flying squirrels.
Deforestation poses several problems for flying squirrels.

The flying squirrel has no problem maneuvering once it is in the air. It is able to steer and direct its flight by changing the tautness of its wing flaps. The flying squirrel’s tail is very important to its flight. It acts as a stabilizer while the squirrel is flying and behaves like an airfoil when the squirrel attempts to slow down, stop, and land.

Coyotes prey on flying squirrels.
Coyotes prey on flying squirrels.

A flying squirrel travels by gliding from tree to tree. It may glide from two to 65 yards (two to 60 meters) in a single glide. However, the distance it can travel in one glide depends upon the species in question. The height and terrain of its launching point affect the distance traveled as well.

The flying squirrel is nocturnal. It remains hidden during the day, venturing out a little after sunset. Flying squirrels have large eyes, making it easer for them to see at night.

Flying squirrels often fall prey to predators such as owls.
Flying squirrels often fall prey to predators such as owls.

In the wild, the flying squirrel has a short lifespan; typically, it lives for about 5 years. In captivity, however, the flying squirrel may enjoy a much longer life, lasting for 10 to 15 years. The lack of longevity in the wild is due to the high rate at which flying squirrels are killed by predators. They are prey for many animals, including owls, snakes, raccoons, and coyotes. Even the domestic house cat is a flying squirrel predator.

In addition to predators, the flying squirrel must often contend with deforestation. When too much space is cleared between trees and other natural launching and landing places, gliding becomes difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the removal of trees and other vegetation leads to the loss of nesting places for flying squirrels.

Without considering their tails, most flying squirrels are between three to 24 inches (eight to 60 centimeters) long. They eat nuts and fruit. They may also consume insects, tree buds, sap, fungi, and bird eggs. Typically, they stay off the ground.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a AllThingsNature writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a AllThingsNature writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Discussion Comments

alex94

@stormyknight: My brother actually has a flying squirrel for a pet. He rescued it about two years ago. His squirrel is very friendly and loves people. They feed it fruits, seeds, and nuts most of the time. It is important to include healthy food in their diet.

They are nocturnal creatures and it is better to feed them at night. My brother actually carried the squirrel around with him and that helped them to bond. Now, they actually let the squirrel run around the house. It is very playful and fun to be around.

CarrotIsland

@stormyknight: Flying squirrels can actually be ideal pets. They have a very docile nature. It is important, however, to provide the squirrel with proper surroundings. The cage should be made out of mesh because they can chew through wooden cages. You can line the cage with newspaper for easier cleaning. You should also have a dish for food and a shallow dish for drinking water. It is also a good idea to put a running wheel in the cage to make sure that they squirrel can get plenty of exercise. The wheels are like the ones you would put in a hamster cage.

StormyKnight

Do flying squirrels make good pets?

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    • Deforestation poses several problems for flying squirrels.
      By: yotrakbutda
      Deforestation poses several problems for flying squirrels.
    • Coyotes prey on flying squirrels.
      By: gabe9000c
      Coyotes prey on flying squirrels.
    • Flying squirrels often fall prey to predators such as owls.
      Flying squirrels often fall prey to predators such as owls.