Flying squirrels are native residents of New York State, navigating the forest canopy under the cover of darkness. They are one of the least-seen mammals in the region due to their strictly nocturnal habits. These small, wide-eyed rodents do not possess true wings. Instead, unique physical adaptations allow them to launch themselves from high branches and glide with control between trees.
The Species Found in New York
New York is home to two distinct species of flying squirrels: the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). Both are the smallest squirrels in New York, weighing only a few ounces, and share soft, dense fur and large, dark eyes.
The Southern Flying Squirrel is the smaller species, measuring eight to ten inches long with a gray-brown coat. It is the more common species, generally found south of the Mohawk River Valley in deciduous forests rich with oak and hickory trees. The Northern Flying Squirrel is slightly larger, reaching 10 to 15 inches long, and has a reddish-brown coloration. This species is more common in the northern portions of the state, particularly in the coniferous and mixed forests of the Adirondacks and higher elevations.
Gliding: The Mechanics of “Flight”
Flying squirrels are expert gliders that use a specialized membrane to create aerodynamic lift. This structure, called the patagium, is a flap of furred skin stretching from the wrist of the forelimb to the ankle of the hindlimb. When the squirrel leaps, it extends all four limbs laterally, pulling the patagium taut and transforming its body into a parachute-like airfoil.
The squirrel controls its descent by adjusting the tension and curvature of the patagium and its body position. Small, cartilaginous extensions on the wrists, called styliform elements, provide structural support to the membrane and allow the squirrel to fine-tune the shape of the wing tip for better maneuverability. The flattened, broad tail acts as a rudder for steering and a brake before landing. A single glide can carry a squirrel over 150 feet, depending on the height of the launch point.
Where and How They Live
Flying squirrels require mature, forested ecosystems that provide adequate nesting sites and unobstructed gliding paths. Both species need large trees with existing cavities, such as abandoned woodpecker holes, for nesting and shelter. They line these dens with soft materials like shredded bark, moss, and lichens. Southern Flying Squirrels are highly social; groups of up to 50 individuals may huddle together in a single nest cavity during winter to conserve heat.
The two species have different primary diets, which dictates their preferred forest type. The Southern Flying Squirrel is largely omnivorous, consuming seeds, nuts, berries, insects, hickory nuts, and acorns, tying them to oak-hickory forests. The Northern Flying Squirrel relies more on fungi, particularly underground truffles, which it spreads throughout the forest. Because they are active only between dusk and dawn, and prefer to remain high in the canopy, they are rarely observed by people.