Flying squirrels exist in northern forests of North America. They are relatively common in old growth Douglas-fir forests of the West but are not often seen because they tend to be nocturnal. Their presence is most evident to timber fallers in logging operations as they are disturbed when their homes are cut down. The flying squirrel could better be named the gliding squirrel as there is skin attached to legs that forms a gliding wing when extended. From a tall Douglas-fir they can fly/glide for 150 feet or more, farther if gliding down hill on the steep slopes common in the Douglas- fir forests. They spend their lives in the trees and mostly fly shorter distances between or within trees. One can tell folks that there are flying squirrels in the forest and not be believed but the flying squirrels are common where their habitat (old tall forests) exists.

There is a nice picture at this link that shows the "wings" in full extension:

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/washington/explore/the-nature-conservancy-in-washington-flying-squirrels-in-the-spotlight.xml

PS Hard to tell but I do not think the squirrel at HP is an actual flying squirrel (too big and tail doesn't look right but the squirrel does seem to have some gliding action going on).

Favorite activity: gliding from a high point into the shirt pocket of unwary visitors. Glad I was prepared. His mom was not so pleased at this activity, however, and avoided his room at all costs.

ground squirrel that lived in the duct work of her house trailer and would let her get in her lap or shoulder like a normal pet. However, it was very territorial and did not like visitors to the point.

When I was younger and backpacked and hiked a lot chipmunks were often curious about campers. I had this 4 part fly rod and would take two or three sections and "fish" without hooks but with food and the chipmunks would often be so tame they would perch and munch goodies on one's leg.

The gray and Douglas squirrels of the forests were much more avoidant of people, even more so the flying squirrels. Northern Spotted Owls are particularly fond of flying squirrels for middle of the night lunch.

Last edited Wed Nov 4, 2015, 11:53 AM - Edit history (1)

We never see them because they are very nocturnal. When we had an outdoor cat, he brought two of them inside through the cat door. They were unharmed and we let them go. We also found one sleeping in a bluebird nesting box.

I've never seen one hit by a car.

just for the vertigo.

I never knew a regular squirrels could survive a descent like that. Pretty amazing!