If you've ever wondered how some squirrels glide silently through the night, the southern flying squirrel is the answer. This small nocturnal mammal can glide up to 150 feet between trees using a special flap of skin called the patagium, making it one of nature’s most skilled gliders.
You might spot a southern flying squirrel in forests across the southeastern United States, where it lives in tree cavities and feeds on nuts, fungi, and insects. Learning about their unique behavior and habitat can give you a deeper appreciation for these nocturnal creatures.
Understanding the southern flying squirrel helps you recognize the importance of protecting its forest environments. Their ability to glide and live in diverse woodlands plays a crucial role in the local ecosystems you care about.
You will find that the southern flying squirrel has unique features and behaviors that are well-adapted for life in trees at night. Its distinctive appearance, specialized gliding abilities, and nocturnal habits define its survival strategies.
The southern flying squirrel measures about 8 to 10 inches in length, including its tail. You can identify it by its soft, grayish-brown fur on the back and white underbelly. Its large, black eyes enhance night vision, helping you spot it in low light.
You will notice a flattened tail that aids balance and steering during glides. The southern flying squirrel also has small, rounded ears and a furry membrane called a patagium, which stretches from the wrist to the ankle. This membrane is crucial for its ability to glide.
You will rely on the southern flying squirrel’s patagium to glide between trees. When extended, this membrane acts like a parachute, allowing glides of up to 150 feet. It helps the squirrel escape predators and move efficiently to find food.
During glides, the southern flying squirrel uses its tail for steering. You can watch it launch from a high branch, spreading its limbs wide to maximize surface area. Its ability to alter glide distance and direction is a key survival trait in dense forests.
The southern flying squirrel is active at night, emerging shortly after dusk. You can observe it foraging for nuts, seeds, and fungi under the cover of darkness. Its large eyes and keen sense of smell facilitate night navigation.
You will find it nests in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes to rest during the day. It is social and may share nests with several individuals. Its nocturnal lifestyle reduces competition and keeps it hidden from many predators.
You will find southern flying squirrels in specific types of woodland areas and regions where suitable nesting and food resources are available. Their living spaces and geographic locations are key to understanding where and how they thrive.
Southern flying squirrels primarily inhabit mature, deciduous, and mixed forests. Your best chance of spotting one is in areas with a high density of oak and hickory trees, as these provide both food and nesting sites.
They prefer forests with numerous cavities in trees for nesting, including those in dead and decaying trees. The presence of dense canopy cover helps them avoid predators and maintain stable microclimates.
The habitat of the southern flying squirrel often overlaps with areas rich in nuts, seeds, fungi, and insects, which comprise a significant part of its diet. You will rarely find them far from their food sources or suitable nesting locations.
You can find southern flying squirrels primarily throughout the eastern United States. Their range extends from southern Canada down through the hardwood forests of the southeastern US.
In the south, their distribution includes states from Texas to Florida and up along the Appalachian Mountains. They are largely absent from the Great Plains and western regions.
The species adapts well to fragmented forests, but large tracts with continuous canopy are best for their population stability. You should note that northern populations tend to be less dense due to harsher climates.
You may encounter southern flying squirrels in your home, especially if your property is near wooded areas that reflect their natural southern flying squirrel habitat. These nocturnal creatures seek shelter in attics, wall voids, or other cozy spaces.
Managing southern flying squirrel issues can be tricky because they are agile and often hidden. Professionals have the experience to identify entry points and safely remove these animals without harming them.
Key steps in controlling southern flying squirrels include:
You want to rely on experts who understand the behavior and habitat preferences of southern flying squirrels to ensure a thorough solution.
Critter Stop specializes in humane wildlife removal and has years of experience effectively handling southern flying squirrel problems. Their team offers free inspections to evaluate your specific situation.
Critter Stop has earned an excellent reputation for delivering top-quality work and attentive customer service. Contact Critter Stop at (214) 234-2616 to protect your home from unwanted wildlife intrusions with the help of a trusted professional.
Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal and prefer wooded areas with mature trees for nesting. They adapt well to various habitats but thrive in regions offering plenty of tree cavities and food sources.
You can spot a southern flying squirrel near large trees with hollow cavities during nighttime. Look for them gliding between trees or near bird feeders. They are most active just after dusk and before dawn.
The southern flying squirrel is active year-round, but its activity may decrease in colder months. It remains nocturnal and uses tree cavities or nests to stay warm. Seasonal food availability influences its movement.
In Texas, the southern flying squirrel habitat includes mature hardwood and mixed forests with dense tree canopies. The area must provide ample nesting sites, such as old woodpecker holes and natural tree cavities. Riparian zones also support their presence.
Yes, attic insulation can attract southern flying squirrels as it mimics natural nesting materials. They often invade attics in search of warmth and shelter, creating nests within the insulation. This can cause damage and noise disturbances.
Bird feeders near wooded areas do increase southern flying squirrel sightings because they provide easy access to food. Squirrels are attracted to seeds and nuts that have fallen below feeders. Positioning feeders near large trees boosts your chances.
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