Benefits of Flying Squirrels to the Ecosystem

Recently, I had the privilege of seeing a flying squirrel at my vacation home in Dahlonega, Georgia which lies in a forest near the Appalachian Mountains. Flying squirrels are seldom seen due to the fact they only come out at night. In fact, when my husband and I saw this particular flying squirrel, he blended so well into the hardwood trees that he looked like he was part of the tree. He was near a feeder of seeds and when we flicked the light on, he became frozen. It worked out well because we were able to snap up pictures.

Due to the fact this was all new to me - that is seeing a flying squirrel - I decided to look up some information on flying squirrels. Like many of our animals, flying squirrels also have an important role in our ecosystem. When they forage, they consumer a variety of fruiting bodies of subterranean fungi and disperse the spores from their feces. Now, don't go ewww. It is believed that this helps the root system for many species of trees and is also essential for tree growth and maintenance. In addition to this, they help spread seeds of the hardwood trees.

Facts on Flying Squirrels

- Flying squirrels do not fly. They glide with a membrane attached from wrist to ankle.

- They can glide from a few feet up to 150 feet.

- The length of them range from 8-11 inches and weigh just a few ounces.

- They have enormous eyes and thick, soft brown fur on top and light on the bottom.

- Some flying squirrels in Asia are endangered.

- They live up to 5 to 6 years.

- They can be found in forests and woodlands - as many as 10 to 20 in mass taking over a woodpecker's hole or a natural cavity in a tree. Their nests may be from the ground up to 60 feet high off the ground.

- It will typically sleep during the day if it is not disturbed and come out at night for foraging.

- They are omnivores. They will eat fruit, nuts, insects, young birds, and mice.

- There is a 40 day gestation period and in 3 months they become independent from its parents.

If you are ever privileged like I was to see a flying squirrel, don't be alarmed; just think of all the good this little creature does for our forests which is important to our own existence.