The two species of flying squirrels native to North America, the northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern (Glaucomys volans), are small, nocturnal mammals. They are recognized by the patagium, a specialized membrane of skin extending from wrist to ankle that allows them to glide between trees up to 150 feet. This unique arboreal lifestyle and their large eyes, an adaptation for low-light conditions, often lead to curious human encounters.
Defining Their Typical Temperament
Flying squirrels are not inherently aggressive animals and generally pose no threat to human safety. Their natural disposition is characterized by extreme wariness toward people and a preference for evasion over confrontation. Unlike the common diurnal squirrels often seen foraging on the ground, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal. Their activity peaks when humans are least likely to be outdoors.
This reliance on darkness and height is a primary defense strategy against predators. If disturbed, the squirrel’s immediate instinct is to take flight, either by running or gliding away. They communicate using high-pitched signals, some of which are ultrasonic, primarily to warn others of a predator’s presence. This behavior establishes them as timid creatures whose goal is to avoid interaction with larger animals, including humans.
Causes of Defensive Behavior
Any display of aggressive behavior from a flying squirrel is interpreted as a fear-based defensive reaction, not an unprovoked attack. The animal has sharp teeth, and a bite is a last resort when it feels its life is in danger. A bite or scratch is most likely to occur if the animal is handled improperly, physically trapped, or is experiencing severe pain from an injury.
A common scenario for defensive biting is when a squirrel is cornered inside a home, such as an attic or wall void, and perceives no clear escape route. Females may exhibit heightened territoriality when defending their nest or young. Any attempt by a person to capture, remove, or restrain a wild flying squirrel will result in a defensive action intended to secure their release from a perceived threat.
Health Risks From Bites
While flying squirrels are not naturally aggressive, contact with them carries certain health considerations. The risk of rabies transmission from any small rodent is exceptionally low, with very few documented cases reported in the United States. However, a bite wound poses the risk of a bacterial infection, requiring immediate and thorough cleaning. The more significant health concern comes from the parasites they frequently carry.
Southern flying squirrels are known reservoirs for Rickettsia prowazekii, the bacterium that causes sporadic epidemic typhus in humans. The pathogen is transmitted by ectoparasites, particularly the louse (Neohaematopinus sciuropteri) and the flea (Orchopeas howardi), not the squirrel itself. They also commonly host ticks, such as Ixodes scapularis, which can transmit Lyme disease. Other risks include leptospirosis and salmonellosis, often transferred through contact with contaminated droppings or urine.
Safe Interaction Protocols
The safest protocol when encountering a flying squirrel is to maintain distance and avoid physical contact. If a squirrel is found indoors, such as in an attic or wall space, the primary response should be to contact a licensed wildlife control professional. Attempting personal removal increases the risk of a defensive bite and disease exposure. Wildlife specialists are equipped to handle removal humanely and safely.
Professionals often utilize non-contact methods, such as one-way exclusion doors, which allow the animal to exit but prevent re-entry. To discourage nesting near a home, property owners can trim tree branches that overhang the roofline. This action removes the easy access points these gliding mammals rely on to reach the house. Always prioritize calling local animal control or a wildlife rescue group for assistance with injured or trapped wildlife.