Flying squirrels are present in New York State. These mammals are native to the region, though they often go unnoticed due to their nocturnal habits. Unlike birds or bats, flying squirrels do not truly fly. Instead, they possess a unique anatomical adaptation that allows them to glide gracefully through the air. This ability enables them to navigate their arboreal environments with agility and precision.
The Two New York Species
New York is home to two species of flying squirrels: the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). The Southern Flying Squirrel is more widespread throughout the state, particularly south of the Mohawk River Valley. The Northern Flying Squirrel is found in northern New York, including the Adirondacks, and at higher elevations.
The Southern Flying Squirrel is typically smaller, measuring 200-285 mm in total length and weighing 38-90 grams. The Northern Flying Squirrel is larger, with a total length ranging from 250-370 mm and a weight of 75-140 grams. The Northern Flying Squirrel can be half again or even twice as large as its southern counterpart.
Distinctive Characteristics and Preferred Environments
Flying squirrels possess distinctive characteristics that facilitate their gliding and nocturnal lifestyle. Both species have large, dark eyes, an adaptation for effective night vision. Their tails are flattened and bushy, serving as a rudder for steering during glides and as a brake upon landing. The most prominent feature is the patagium, a furry membrane of skin stretching between their wrists and ankles. This membrane expands when their limbs are outstretched, creating an airfoil that enables them to glide.
In New York, these two species prefer different forest types. Southern Flying Squirrels inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, often with abundant oak and hickory trees. They can sometimes be found near human dwellings if food sources are readily available. Northern Flying Squirrels prefer mature coniferous or mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, often at higher elevations. These environments provide resources that support their survival and foraging.
Nocturnal Behavior and Diet
Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, with activity peaking during nighttime hours. They become active about an hour after sunset for two hours, with another period of activity before sunrise. During their nocturnal excursions, they use their patagium to glide from tree to tree, covering up to 150 feet in a single glide. This gliding ability helps them avoid ground-based predators. During the day, they seek shelter in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or leaf nests.
Their diet is omnivorous and varied, reflecting their adaptability to available food sources. Flying squirrels consume nuts, such as acorns and hickory nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi, including truffles. They also supplement their diet with insects, bird eggs, and occasionally small carrion. Both species cache food items like nuts and seeds in tree cavities, crevices, or buried in the ground for later consumption during periods of scarcity.