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Flying SquirrelsWhen Americans talk about the flying squirrel, they usually refer to the Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) or the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), since these are the only two flying squirrel species native to the North American continent. We can however find 34 other species of flying squirrel in the world. A majority of them inhabit Asia, but the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is one example of a squirrel than can be found in Europe. All flying squirrels belong to the subfamily Petauristinae (sometimes referred to as Pteromyinae) in the squirrel family Sciuridae. The flying squirrel is renowned for its ability to “fly” from tree to tree in the forest. The flying squirrel does not fly like a bird or a bat; the name “Gliding squirrel” would actually be more appropriate. The flying squirrels are equipped with furry membranes that extend between the front and rear legs, so called “patagiums”.
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An important difference between a gliding flying squirrel and the gliding movement performed by a sailplane is that the sailplane requires upcurrents to glide. The flying squirrel is instead a true glider that can glide even in the dense forest, and it will gradually loose height during a glide since it will not be lifted by upcurrents. Unlike a bird or a propeller plain, the flying squirrel can not achieve powered flight; once it has left the tree it can not perform any forward propulsion. What they can however steer themselves even during the flight. When the flying squirrel wishes to control its course in the air, it will change the position of its forelegs and change the tautness of its patagium. The tail is also important, since it will stabilize the flight. (If you have ever played with a kite you are familiar with this effect.) The tail will also act as an extra aerofoil and make the landing gentler for the flying squirrel.
In the wild, a flying squirrel rarely grows older than five years. When flying squirrels are kept in captivity without any predators around, they can however reach an age of 10-15 years. In the forest, there are many predators that feed on the flying squirrel.
Depending on the habitat, the flying squirrel can for instance be eaten by owls, arboreal snakes, rattlesnakes, coyotes, racoons, weasels, martens, bobcats and lynxes. Many housecats also like to hunt flying squirrel.
The flying squirrel has developed several methods of protection to avoid being eaten by the predators. The coloration of its coat provides it with a good camouflage in forests. If the flying squirrel realises that a predator is around, its first instinct will usually be to remain perfectly still and stay completely quiet. A moving and/or noisy animal is much easier to detect for many predator species. If the predator still manages to zero in on the flying squirrel and approaches the motionless animal, the flying squirrel will resort to running, jumping and/or gliding in order to find a safe spot. Adult flying squirrels are usually much more successful at this than juveniles, since the adult flying squirrels know their habitat much better and know exactly where all the great hiding spots can be found.
When you watch a flying squirrel gliding through the forest, you can notice how it runs to the other side of its landing spot as soon as it lands. This is a way of confusing owls that often follow the flying squirrels as they glide. Many flying squirrels do this even when there is no owl around – better safe than sorry! Another fascinating adaptation that can allow the flying squirrel so flee from a predator is its “breakawat tail”. If a predator gets a hold of the tail of a flying squirrel, the tail detaches from the body and the predator will be left with nothing but the tail.
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