SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL       
                    ​REMOVAL

 Northern flying squirrels reside in areas with dense conifer or mixed conifer and deciduous forests. They are found in Canada, the northern United States including North Dakota, South Dakota, and eastern Wyoming, and in the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountain and Appalachian ranges. In South Dakota they are restricted to the Black Hills.

Natural History

 Flying squirrels nest in tree cavities and use lichen , dried grass, and finely shredded bark to line their nests. Sometimes an
abandoned woodpecker nest will be used. When natural cavities are scarce, leaf nests will be constructed or an abandoned squirrel or crow's nest will be modified. In some areas, flying squirrels have been known to nest in bird boxes and in attics.

Flying squirrels primarily eat berries, blossoms, buds, cherries, and all types of nuts, except for walnuts, because the shells are too hard to gnaw. They also never pass up a chance for meat. Insects, stolen bird eggs, or small nestling birds constitute the remainder of their diet. The major predators of flying squirrels are foxes, weasels, martens, and owls.

Flying squirrels are communal . They often live together, usually with more males than females in a nest. Once young are born, females live with the young in nearby maternal nest sites. Mothers are very nurturing and protective. Males are not allowed near the maternal nests and do not take part in raising the young. The yearly mating season begins in February and ends in March. During this time the flying squirrels are monogamous ; however, they may not choose the same partner year after year.

Forty days after mating, a litter of 3 to 6 young is born. The thin, transparent membrane of skin which will help them glide when they are older, is already present. The ears and eyes are sealed shut for the first 28 days. Nutrition first is supplied by the mother's milk, and then, slowly, by soft things, such as insects and tender twigs. Silky fur soon covers their naked bodies. At 8 weeks the young develop enough confidence to attempt their first glide. Near September the squirrel will molt its coat for winter. After 18 months the squirrel is an adult. The flying squirrel's life span is about 5 to 6 years.

Because walking is so awkward with the membrane between their wrists and ankles, being on the ground makes them very vulnerable to predators. Protection is found by both living in the trees and being active after dark. The flying squirrel is the only squirrel species that is nocturnal and spends the majority of its life in a tree. Because flying squirrels are nocturnal most people have never seen the spectacular sight of a gliding squirrel or are even aware that the species is in the area.

This unique squirrel is specialized for its main source of locomotion, gliding. By gliding with outstretched arms and legs, the flying squirrel is able to move about the tree tops, gliding up to 100 feet (30.8 m) at a time. Holding onto the tree trunk, the squirrel judges the distance to the desired destination. Using its hind legs, it leaps into the air. During "flight" the arms and legs are stretched to form a horizontal plane creating a flat surface area for gliding. Upon approaching a landing site, the tail flips downward and is used for steering and as a brake. The feather-light landing takes place in a vertical, upright position with the back feet making contact first.

Significance

 Flying squirrels are so small and secretive that they are of no commercial value. Since they are not considered a pest, they are rarely disturbed by people. If a family of flying squirrels is discovered, they are usually cherished for their cute appearance and unique behavior

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