![]() These habitat characteristics are generally found in older forests. Fungi are more abundant in forests with decomposing logs. Home ranges overlap, so squirrels often forage in close proximity to one another and sometimes can be found feeding in the same place.įlying squirrels' habitats are found in tall trees, snags, decomposing logs and relative understorey, which offer excellent gliding opportunities. For an animal of its small size, flying squirrels can travel quite far, up to 500 metres or more from their nests. The seeds of birches and berries are also eaten when in season. Apparently, they are very social and tolerant of each other.įungi, such as mushrooms and truffles, appear to be their most important food source. Groups of flying squirrels are commonly found together in the same nest. More than one nest is used by individual squirrels, and nests seem to be community property since they are often used by different individuals on different days. Both cavity and outside nests have finely-shredded bark from birches in the interior that is used as bedding. These nests consist of a tangled ball of shredded bark, moss and old man's beard, and are similar to those use by red squirrels. Dray nests are made in witches broom, dense conifer branches, and where large branches meet the tree trunk (fork). Flying squirrels can be found in the day by tapping on snags with natural cavities or woodpecker holes. The cavities are formed naturally or they were created by small woodpeckers, such as the hairy or downy woodpecker. Cavity nests are found in snags and trees with dead or broken branches. Two types of nests are used by flying squirrels cavity and dray (outside nests). Young are distinguished from adults by their grey colour, until they moult into their winter coat in October. By the end of August, most have reached adult weight. At birth, young flying squirrels weigh only a few grams and are blind and hairless. Litters range in size from 1 to 4, with 2 being the common number. They are able to turn, gain altitude, avoid branches and make soft landings on the trunk of a tree.įlying squirrels breed in March and April, and their young are born in May and June. Flying squirrels are exceptionally agile in flight, capable of glides up to 100 metres. The tail acts as a rudder, provides extra lift, and is used to stabilize the squirrel while gliding. In order to glide, flying squirrels leap from trees and extend their limbs to form a kite as the membrane is extended. #Southern flying squirrel skinThe membrane is a fold of skin that is completely furred and stretches from wrist to ankle. The unique features that enable these squirrels to fly include a large flat tail and a gliding membrane. Flying squirrels are gentle and mild mannered, but they will scold you in a whiny voice when they are handled. This is not surprising given their nocturnal nature and mode of locomotion. They have large eyes and can see extremely well in the dark. Their face and the end of their tail are grey. Flying squirrels are a mixture of tan, cinnamon, and beige in colour, with a white underside. They are about three-quarters the size of a red squirrel and weigh half as much. Most people are familiar with the common red squirrel, but northern flying squirrels look quite different. The smaller southern flying squirrel is found only in two areas: the Gaspereau valley and Kejimkujik National Park. Northern flying squirrels are found throughout the province. Both species are nocturnal, but differ in size, pelage, and behaviour. Nova Scotia has two species of flying squirrels: the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). This reason, and the fact they require a specific habitat, are why few people see flying squirrels. These secretive animals only venture out of their nests after dark and return to their home at dusk. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of something gliding off into the darkness a flying squirrel. If you quietly walk through an older forest after dark, you might hear a high pitched "pisp pisp pisp" sound. Many people frequent the woods during the day, but few are there at night. ![]()
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