Creatures of the Night: Fantastic Flying Squirrels

November 19, 2025

By: Steve Dishman, Interpreter

After the sun sets, most squirrels call it a day, they sleep through the night in warm leaf nests called dreys. But one squirrel is nocturnal by nature and when night falls, it awakens to search for food…

Meet the Flying Squirrel!

In Michigan, there are both Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels. In southeastern Michigan, you will likely see only the Southern Flying Squirrel. Besides range differences, the Northern Flying Squirrel is slightly larger than the Southern with a size range of 7-9 inches, compared to the Southern’s size range of 5-7 inches.

Do Flying Squirrels fly?

The short answer is: no. Bats are the only mammal capable of independent flight. But the longer answer is: in a way. Flying Squirrels have a large flap of skin called a patagium. Using the patagium stretched out like an airplane’s wings, squirrels glide from the top of a tree to the trunk of a different tree. They glide to escape flying predators, find food, and seek shelter.

What’s on the Menu?

While many species of squirrels will occasionally consume other animals and eggs, they are predominantly plant-eaters. The flying squirrel is much more omnivorous, which means it is a plant and meat eater. Flying squirrels are adept at hunting mice but will also consume carrion, birds. and eggs.  Flying squirrels also are fond of bird feeders, so if you find your feeders are empty in the morning, chances are a flying squirrel has paid you a visit!

Secretive, but Certainly not Rare

While flying squirrels are rarely seen, they’re actually not uncommon. They are true nocturnal animals, which means they are most active after dark. The best chances to encounter them is to be outdoors as twilight is shifting to dark- occasionally you’ll see them at the tops of trees, silhouetted against the sky as they glide from tree to tree. If you have good hearing, you may even hear their high-pitched squeaks.

Like many animals in Michigan, flying squirrels seem to show a preference for big oak trees. Not only do they consume the acorns, but the leaves of oaks are retained much later into the winter which helps shelter squirrels from cold, wind, and precipitation. The thick bark and branches are good for climbing to escape predators and glide away from the spreading branches.

Flying Squirrels are amazing and adorable mammals. But these wild animals don’t make good pets. They can be aggressive and very, very hungry. If you are lucky enough to see one of our gliding Flying Squirrels, keep them wild.  You may want to wish them a safe flight!