Outdoors Journal: Flying squirrels

By JIM GILBERT, Star Tribune

Last update: November 20, 2008 - 11:12 PM

Flying squirrels don't hibernate, although during an extreme cold spell they might huddle together in groups in a state of light transitory hibernation known as torpor. Because they are strictly nocturnal, we rarely see these restless little squirrels. However, they are common woodland creatures and readily come to wildlife feeding stations for seeds and suet. A spotlight aimed on your feeders will not keep them away, but will give you an opportunity to watch them feed.

Food for flying squirrels consists of seeds, buds, nuts, fruits, mushrooms, insects, bird's eggs and birds. They make their nests in old woodpecker holes or some other cavity in a tree. They also build leafy nests in the branches of trees and in the attics of houses and outbuildings. Being gregarious, they live together in communities where good habitats may support five or more per acre.

Flying squirrels don't really fly but they are super gliders. They have a folded layer of loose skin along each side of their bodies that extends between their wrists and ankles, and with front and hind legs spread wide, they can sail through the air for distances of up to 150 feet. On the downward gliding approach to a tree trunk landing, a squirrel will raise its tail to help it slow down.

Upon grabbing the tree the squirrel immediately scampers to the other side of the trunk to foil any hungry owl that might be following closely behind.

JIM GILBERT