It’s a question that sparks curiosity in nature enthusiasts of all ages: Can Squirrels Fly? While the image of a squirrel soaring through the sky might be whimsical, the reality is a bit different, yet equally fascinating. Flying squirrels, despite their name, don’t actually fly in the way birds or bats do. Instead, they are masters of gliding, possessing a remarkable ability to travel through the air from tree to tree.
What Exactly are Flying Squirrels?
In North America, two native species of flying squirrels grace the forests: the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). These nocturnal mammals are identified by their gray-brown fur, though subtle differences exist. The northern flying squirrel has belly fur with a gray base, while its southern counterpart boasts all-white belly fur. Size also distinguishes them, with southern flying squirrels measuring a petite 8 to 10 inches, and northern flying squirrels slightly larger at 10 to 12 inches in length.
The key to their “flight” lies in a unique adaptation: a gliding membrane called a patagium. This furry flap of skin stretches between their front and back legs, acting like a wing. This membrane is what allows them to perform their aerial acrobatics, transforming them into nature’s gliders.
The Art of Gliding: How Flying Squirrels “Fly”
Flying squirrels are not capable of powered flight like birds or bats. Instead, they execute impressive glides. When a flying squirrel decides to move to another tree, it launches itself from a high branch, extending its limbs to fully expose the gliding membrane. This outstretched membrane catches the air, allowing the squirrel to glide smoothly downwards.
Steering during these glides is achieved through subtle adjustments of their legs, while their flattened tail acts as a brake upon reaching their landing spot. These skilled gliders can cover remarkable distances, sometimes soaring over 150 feet in a single glide. This aerial locomotion is not only efficient for travel but also a brilliant escape strategy from predators.
Habitat and Range
Southern flying squirrels are widespread throughout the eastern United States, their range stretching from Maine to Florida in the south and westward from Minnesota to Texas. Northern flying squirrels have a more fragmented distribution, primarily inhabiting the Northeast, the West Coast, and extending into Idaho and Montana.
Both species thrive in diverse forest environments, including deciduous and coniferous forests and woodlands. They are cavity nesters, making their homes in tree snags, woodpecker holes, nest boxes, and even abandoned nests of birds and other squirrels. To conserve warmth during colder months, multiple flying squirrels may huddle together in a single nest.
Diet and Behavior
Flying squirrels are omnivorous, with a varied diet that reflects their forest habitat. They consume seeds, nuts, fungi, fruits, and insects. Southern flying squirrels are known for a more carnivorous inclination compared to other squirrels, supplementing their diet with eggs, birds, and even carrion.
Their gliding ability is not just for travel and foraging; it’s also a vital defense mechanism. After landing on a tree trunk post-glide, a flying squirrel will quickly dart to the opposite side to evade any predators that might have pursued them. Despite these evasive maneuvers, they are still preyed upon by owls, hawks, tree snakes, and climbing mammals.
Life Cycle and Conservation
Northern flying squirrels typically mate once a year, while southern flying squirrels may mate twice annually. The young are born helpless and rely entirely on maternal care for approximately two months. In the wild, flying squirrels can live for about 5 years, but in captivity, they can reach up to 10 years.
While flying squirrels are generally common in many regions, two subspecies of the northern flying squirrel are currently listed as federally endangered due to habitat loss. This highlights the vulnerability of these creatures and the importance of habitat conservation.
Human Inspiration from Flying Squirrels
The gliding prowess of flying squirrels has long captivated human imagination. Inspired by these animals, inventors and thrill-seekers have developed wingsuits, specialized suits that mimic the flying squirrel’s patagium. These suits are used by base jumpers and skydivers to slow their descent and allow for maneuverability in the air, demonstrating the lasting influence of nature’s designs.
In conclusion, while squirrels cannot achieve true powered flight, flying squirrels are exceptional gliders. Their unique adaptation allows them to navigate their forest homes with agility and efficiency, making them a fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity and the wonders of evolutionary adaptation. Their “flight” is a testament to the diverse ways animals have evolved to thrive in their environments.
Sources:
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Chattanooga Arboretum & Nature Center
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
NatureServe Explorer
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wildscreen Arkive
