It’s time for another installment of Squirrels of Michigan, a series all about the different squirrels that call our state home! This week is all about flying squirrels.
Unlike tree squirrels, flying squirrels aren’t an everyday sighting around Grand Rapids. It’s pretty rare to spot one since they’re pretty elusive, typically only coming out at night in mature forest areas.
Flying squirrels, known scientifically as Pteromyini, are distinguished from other squirrels by their ability to glide between trees (sadly, they can’t actually fly). This is made possible by a special furry membrane called a patagium that connects to their front and back legs. When jumping through the air, they use it to steer themselves and control their speed.
https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/aah-sanctuary-species-flying-squirrel
In Michigan there are two species of flying squirrels: the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). Northern flying squirrels inhabit the Upper Peninsula and the northernmost parts of the Lower Peninsula, while southern flying squirrels live only in the Lower Peninsula. The two are extremely similar in appearance, with their main distinguishers being different colored belly fur (the northern’s is gray, while the southern’s is white), and size (northern flying squirrels typically measure 10-12 inches, while the southern is usually 8-10 inches long).
Both species are strictly nocturnal. Their large eyes allow them to have better vision for night foraging. Flying squirrels mainly eat nuts, berries, seeds, and tree buds. Interestingly, the southern flying squirrel is also an omnivore that has also been observed to eat eggs, carrion, and young birds. Fungus and lichen is a larger part of the diet of northern flying squirrels than most other squirrel species.
https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/11269593
Flying squirrels nest in snags (dead trees that are still standing), boxes, bird or squirrel nests, and tree cavities. One simple way to help flying squirrels is by leaving large trees with cavities standing, whether they’re dead or alive! This enables them to have a safe place to nest. While they can be solitary, some will live in groups. It’s common for them to share nests during winter in order to stay warm.
And here’s a fun fact: they glow under UV light! In 2019, scientists discovered that pointing ultraviolet light at them will cause their fur to glow hot pink. This was found to be the same for all species in the Glaucomys genus, but not for other species, such as American red squirrels. Scientists still don’t know why they possess this trait, but they theorize that it might have something to do with night time communication or camouflage. Research is still ongoing.
Flying squirrels may be a rare sight, but they’re an important part of Michigan’s ecosystem, and their unique adaptations are absolutely fascinating. I have yet to spot a flying squirrel in the wild, but I hope to encounter one of these adorable critters someday!
Sources
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/michigan-species/mammals/squirrels
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Glaucomys_sabrinus/#behavior
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Glaucomys_volans/#food_habits
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/flying-squirrels.htm
https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/aah-sanctuary-species-flying-squirrel
https://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Glaucomys_sabrinus
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