Flying squirrels are like the superheroes of the forest—tiny, fluffy, and capable of feats that would make even Spider-Man jealous. But what exactly are these mysterious creatures? Where do they come from, and how do they pull off their gravity-defying stunts? These Facts about flying Squirrels are going to be WOW…
Let’s dive into the world of flying squirrels and uncover 15 incredible facts that will leave you saying, “Wait, they can do what?”
What Are Flying Squirrels? 🐿️✨
Flying squirrels are a group of rodents belonging to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and chipmunks. Unlike their earthbound cousins, flying squirrels have a unique superpower: the ability to glide through the air. They’re found in forests across North America, Europe, and Asia, with over 50 species identified worldwide.
The most common species in North America are the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and the Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus).
These nocturnal creatures are masters of stealth, often going unnoticed due to their quiet habits and preference for dense forests. But don’t let their small size fool you—flying squirrels are fascinating animals with a host of unique adaptations that make them true marvels of nature.
1. They Don’t Actually Fly (But They’re Still Airborne Legends)
Let’s clear this up right away: flying squirrels don’t fly like birds or bats. Instead, they glide using a special membrane called a patagium. This stretchy skin extends from their wrists to their ankles, acting like a parachute when they leap from trees. By spreading their limbs, they can control their glide and soar through the air with incredible precision.
The patagium isn’t just for gliding—it also helps them steer and brake mid-air. It’s like having a built-in wingsuit!
Imagine being able to jump off a tree and land gracefully on another tree hundreds of feet away. Flying squirrels make it look easy!
2. They Can Glide the Length of a Football Field
Flying squirrels are the ultimate gliders. Depending on the species, they can glide distances of 150 to 300 feet in a single leap. To put that in perspective, that’s like jumping from one end zone of a football field to the other—without breaking a sweat.
Some species can even glide upside down to avoid predators. Talk about acrobatics!
How They Do It: They use their flat, bushy tails as rudders to steer and their limbs to adjust their trajectory. It’s like they’ve got built-in navigation systems!
3. They’re Night Owls (Or Night Squirrels)
Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. While other squirrels are snoozing, these little daredevils are out gliding, foraging, and socializing. Their big, shiny eyes are perfectly adapted for seeing in the dark, making them expert night-time navigators.
Flying squirrels have a special layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light and helps them see better in the dark. It’s the same thing that makes cat eyes glow!
Their nocturnal habits help them avoid predators like hawks and owls, who are more active during the day.
4. They Have Glow-in-the-Dark Fur
Here’s a fact that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie: under UV light, flying squirrel fur glows pink! Scientists believe this fluorescence might help them communicate or avoid predators in the dark.
The pink glow is caused by special proteins in their fur that absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible light. It’s like nature’s own glow stick!
It’s like they’re wearing neon rave gear 24/7. Who knew squirrels could be so flashy?
5. They’re Social Butterflies (or Social Squirrels)
Unlike their solitary cousins, flying squirrels are highly social creatures. They often live in groups and even snuggle together to stay warm during winter. They communicate with each other using high-pitched chirps and squeaks, which are often too high for humans to hear.
In colder climates, up to 20 flying squirrels might share a single nest to conserve heat. Talk about a cozy sleepover!
6. They’re Masters of Stealth
Flying squirrels are so quiet that they’re often called the “ghosts of the forest.” Their soft fur and silent glides make them nearly invisible to predators—and humans. Their quiet glides are thanks to the soft, velvety texture of their patagium, which muffles sound as they move through the air.
If they were spies, they’d be unstoppable. Their stealth skills are next-level!
7. They Eat More Than Just Nuts
While they do love nuts, flying squirrels have a varied diet that includes fungi, insects, and even bird eggs. They’re the foodies of the squirrel world, always up for a gourmet meal. Flying squirrels have a special pouch in their cheeks where they can store food for later. It’s like having a built-in snack pack!
Some species have a particular fondness for truffles, which they help spread through the forest, making them accidental gardeners.
8. They Can Turn Mid-Glide
Flying squirrels aren’t just gliding in straight lines—they can steer! By adjusting their patagium and using their tail as a rudder, they can make sharp turns mid-air. Some species can even perform loop-de-loops in the air to confuse predators.
It’s like they’ve got a built-in GPS and a steering wheel.
9. They’re Found All Over the World
From the forests of North America to the jungles of Asia, flying squirrels are everywhere. There are over 50 species, each with its unique quirks. Some species, like the Woolly flying squirrel in Pakistan, are so rare that they were once thought to be extinct!
The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is one of the cutest, with its tiny size and big, round eyes.
10. They’re Surprisingly Tiny
Most flying squirrels are about the size of a chipmunk, with some species fitting snugly in the palm of your hand. The pygmy flying squirrel is one of the smallest, weighing just 1.5 ounces—about the same as an AA battery!
However, don’t let their size fool you—they’re packed with personality and skills.
11. They Have Huge Eyes for Night Vision
Those big, adorable eyes aren’t just for show. Flying squirrels have excellent night vision, helping them navigate the dark forest like tiny, furry pilots. Their large eyes also give them a wide field of view, helping them spot predators from all angles.
Their eyes are so sensitive that they can see in almost complete darkness.
12. They’re Expert Tree Huggers
Flying squirrels spend most of their lives in trees, rarely touching the ground. They’re like the treehouse enthusiasts of the animal kingdom. They can climb trees headfirst, thanks to their reversible ankle joints.
Their strong claws and flexible bodies make them expert climbers.
13. They Can Glide Right After Birth
Baby flying squirrels are born ready to soar. Within a few months, they’re already gliding like pros.
Flying squirrels practice gliding by jumping from low branches and gradually working their way up to higher ones.
It’s like they skip the crawling phase and go straight to flying.
Watch This Amazing Video By BBC About Baby Flying Squirrel Takes Flight for the First Time!
14. They’re Ecosystem Heroes
By spreading fungi spores and seeds, flying squirrels play a crucial role in maintaining healthy forests. Some fungi they spread are essential for tree growth, making them key players in forest ecosystems.
They’re like tiny gardeners with capes.
15. They’ve Been Around for Millions of Years
Flying squirrels have been gliding through forests for over 18 million years. Fossil evidence shows that ancient flying squirrels were even larger than today’s species—some had wingspans of over 3 feet!
They’ve survived ice ages, predators, and who knows what else.
If you loved this article and small cute animals, we recommend reading and looking at the images on Spiky Secrets: 12 Interesting Facts About Hedgehogs You Need to Know! Hedgehogs are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures
Bonus Quick Facts
- Flying squirrels can live up to 10 years in the wild.
- They’re excellent swimmers, using their patagium as a paddle.
- Some species can glide at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
FAQs About Flying Squirrels
Q: Are flying squirrels dangerous?
A: Not at all! They’re shy, gentle creatures that avoid humans.
Q: Can I keep a flying squirrel as a pet?
A: In most places, it’s illegal to keep them as pets. They’re wild animals and thrive in their natural habitat.
Q: Do flying squirrels hibernate?
A: No, but they do become less active in winter and rely on stored food.
Q: How can I spot a flying squirrel?
A: Look for them at night in dense forests, especially near trees with hollows.
Sources:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/flying-squirrels
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-squirrels-fly-37372905
https://academic.oup.com/jmammal
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Flying-Squirrels
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.
