Southern Flying Squirrel
ExploreMammals
Southern Flying Squirrel
Glaucomys volans
The Southern Flying Squirrel is a small, cute animal that glides through the trees. With its big eyes and fluffy tail, it loves to play and explore at night!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Southern Flying Squirrel has soft, dense fur that is brownish-grey on its back and sides, contrasting with a pure white belly. It features large, dark eyes for nocturnal vision and a flattened, bushy tail. A distinct loose flap of skin, called a patagium, extends between its front and hind limbs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusGlaucomys
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Southern Flying Squirrels sometimes eat birds' eggs or even baby birds for protein!
These tiny gliders steer themselves by moving their wrists and ankles while airborne!
They huddle together in tree holes during winter to stay warm, sometimes 20 squirrels!
They use their bushy tail like a parachute or rudder for incredible mid-air control!
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Navigator
Southern Flying Squirrels can glide gracefully between trees thanks to a special skin membrane, allowing agile, controlled flight.
Ability
Night Vision Master
It has large, dark eyes that collect maximum light, helping it navigate and find food easily in the dark of night.
Ability
Agile Acrobats
Southern Flying Squirrels are incredibly nimble climbers, able to cling to bark and make quick maneuvers in the forest canopy.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 21-26 cm
- Wingspan
- 20-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.08 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-7
- Gestation
- 37-41 days
Diet & Feeding
An omnivore, it enjoys nuts, seeds, fruits, and even insects.
Primary Foods
- Nuts (acorns, hickory)
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Fungi
- Insects (moths, beetles)
- Bird eggs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
A frequent nocturnal predator of flying squirrels.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Nocturnal predator that raids nests in tree cavities.
depends on
White Oak
Quercus alba
Relies on acorns from oak trees as a major food source.
shelters
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Often uses abandoned woodpecker holes for nesting and shelter.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Gliding
Gliding animals move through the air by launching themselves and maintaining flight with specialized body structures, without flapping wings.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a flying squirrel, watch quietly from a distance. They are shy and like to be left alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Southern Flying Squirrel?
21-26 cm
What is Southern Flying Squirrel's wingspan?
20-25 cm
How much does Southern Flying Squirrel weigh?
0.05-0.08 kg
How long does Southern Flying Squirrel live?
3-6 years
How fast can Southern Flying Squirrel move?
40 km/h
What does Southern Flying Squirrel eat?
An omnivore, it enjoys nuts, seeds, fruits, and even insects.
Where is Southern Flying Squirrel usually found?
Forests
How does Southern Flying Squirrel hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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