The Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is a wingless species, yet it can glide gracefully through the air like a glider. However, it is quite rare to witness this spectacular sight, as flying squirrels are primarily nocturnal and active at night.
Appearance: They have a thin, smooth fur coat; large eyes; and their back color ranges from light pink to brown, while their underbelly is white or cream-colored. Their tails are flat and resemble feathers. The front legs are connected to the hind legs by a fold of skin that opens into a membrane, allowing the flying squirrel to glide through the air.
During the day, flying squirrels hide in hollows or nests in trees. Occasionally, they take over the nests of tree squirrels, woodpeckers, or other birds to make their own “homes.” Inside the nest, flying squirrels use soft tree bark, moss, lichens, and fur to create a comfortable bedding.
For the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans), the mating season occurs from February to March. After a gestation period of about 40 days, females can give birth to a litter of 2 to 6 young in a warm nest. The young squirrels nurse for 10 weeks and must reach a certain size before they can glide from tree to tree.
Adult males typically measure around 25 cm in body length, with a tail length of about 12 cm, and weigh approximately 79 grams.
In a single glide, flying squirrels can cover distances of up to 9 meters; their “wings” are simply membranes. When gliding, they extend all four limbs to leap and expand their gliding membrane (the membrane stretches from their neck to their ankles). Typically, flying squirrels forage among the treetops for fruits, tree bark, lichens, and mushrooms. They only take to the air when threatened by an owl or another predatory animal.
Flying squirrels also eat insects, bird eggs, and small animals. Unless they are caring for their young, they usually live alone in their nests. However, many flying squirrels often gather in large numbers in areas rich in food.
In the fall, they store food in tree cavities for winter use. When winter arrives, although they do not hibernate, they become less active.
The Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is found across Central and Eastern North America, as well as in some regions of Mexico within temperate and subtropical forests.
