There are various approaches for controlling flying squirrels. They are, on rare occasions, carriers of rabies and typhus, but these squirrels pose little, if any, significant threat to humans. There are few health concerns associated with flying squirrels. Outside the home they are known to denude bark on trees and shrubs, dig holes in turf, and raid bird feeders and gardens. Other damages include accumulated droppings, urine stains, chewing and gnawing on wood, and degradation of insulation. Squirrels have been responsible for starting fires by chewing on electrical wires. Their entrance hole is often times the size of a quarter. The habitat ranges of these two species vary, but cover most of North America.įlying squirrels may cause damage when they enter buildings via construction gaps, dormer and louver vents, chimneys, fascia boards and soffits. The Northern flying squirrel prefers conifer forests and the Southern flying squirrel prefers deciduous forests. Known predators of this species include large mammals, owls, and cats. They do not hibernate, but may stay in the nest during bad weather. Flying squirrels usually live in medium (4-10) or large (10-20) communal families with one or two breeding males while the rest are breeding females or immature squirrels.įlying squirrels are nocturnal and feed mostly on insects, nuts, fruits, seeds and berries. Each litter producing from one to six young. The flying squirrel has two litters per year, one in early spring, the other in mid-summer.
#Bombsquad in east longmeadow ma skin
The patagium is extended folds of skin from the wrist to ankle that enables it to fly. They have a broad flattened tail, enlarged eyes, and a patagium. (Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight.) Flying squirrels can control their “glide” and speed, by direction, angle and destination, and have been reorded to glide as far as the length of a football field.įlying squirrels are extremely small in size compared to other squirrel members, such as the gray and fox squirrels. The term “flying” is a misnomer in describing one of this animal’s unique means of mobility. In North America, there are two species of flying squirrels-the Northern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus, and the Southern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys volans. The flying squirrel has many distinct qualities that differentiate it from other squirrels.