ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Southern Flying Squirrel

 Southern Flying Squirrel

southern flying squirrel
The flying squirrel is the most common squirrel in Ohio. Because they are nocturnal and seldom seen, most people don't recognize that they live with flying squirrels.

southern flying squirrel tracks

Southern Flying Squirrel Tracks
(Click track to enlarge)

Southern Flying Squirrel
Glaucomys volans

At-a-Glance

• Typical Foods: omnivorous: eats foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, moths, bark, mice, eggs, and insects
Description
Flying squirrels are easily distinguished by a “gliding membrane,” which is a flap of loose skin that extends from wrist to ankle. When outstretched, this skin allows the squirrel to glide from tree to tree. The fur is an olive-brown color on the upperparts and white on the underparts.

Habitat and Habits
They prefer to live in woodlands or forests of deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous trees. Flying squirrels make their nests in the hollows of trees.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place twice a year, once between April and May and again between August and September. After a gestation period of about 40 days, two to six young are born.