Flying squirrels are nocturnal mammals that use a specialized membrane to glide between trees. Because they are rarely seen due to their nighttime activity, questions about their potential to carry disease often arise. While any mammal can theoretically contract the rabies virus, public health data show that the risk posed by squirrels, including the flying species, is extremely low. Understanding this risk level, the animal’s behavior, and necessary safety steps can help alleviate concern.
Understanding the Rabies Risk Level
The risk of contracting rabies from a flying squirrel is extremely low, as these small rodents are rarely implicated in transmission to humans in the United States. High-risk vectors, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, account for the vast majority of documented rabies cases in wild animals. The internal biology of small rodents works against the virus’s spread. The virus must reach the central nervous system to be transmissible through saliva, but small rodents often succumb to the disease quickly before the virus can fully replicate and reach the salivary glands. Testing for rabies in squirrels is generally not recommended unless the animal exhibits highly unusual behavior, which could indicate a neurologic disease.
Recognizing Flying Squirrels and Their Behavior
Flying squirrels are distinguishable from other squirrel species by their large, dark eyes, which are adapted for their nocturnal lifestyle. They possess a furry membrane, called a patagium, that stretches from their wrist to their ankle, allowing them to glide, not fly, long distances between trees. The two species in North America, the Northern and Southern flying squirrels, are relatively small, measuring between 8 to 12 inches in length.
Because they are active only after dusk, encountering one during the day is uncommon, and a daytime sighting can be a sign that the animal is injured or sick. Flying squirrels are highly social and often nest communally in tree cavities, sometimes using attics or walls in human homes for shelter, especially during winter. Their presence is usually indicated by nocturnal rustling or faint chirping sounds within a structure.
Immediate Steps After Contact
Despite the low rabies risk, any direct physical contact, such as a bite or scratch, should be taken seriously due to the potential for bacterial infection and other diseases. The immediate first step is to thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes. This action mechanically washes away potential contaminants and infectious material from the wound site.
After wound care, contact local public health officials or a physician immediately for guidance. Medical professionals will assess the risk based on the animal’s behavior and the prevalence of rabies in the area before deciding if post-exposure prophylaxis is necessary. It is important to report details about the encounter, such as whether the squirrel was acting aggressively or stumbling. If the animal can be safely contained without touching it, local animal control may capture it for testing, which is the only definitive way to confirm the presence of the rabies virus.
Safe Practices for Avoiding Encounters
The best way to prevent potential exposure is to eliminate opportunities for flying squirrels to enter your living spaces or yard. Since they are drawn to food sources, one effective measure is to remove bird feeders, as the seeds and nuts they contain are highly attractive. Securing outdoor trash and harvesting fruits and nuts promptly from trees near the home also reduces available food.
Prevention also focuses on exclusion, as flying squirrels can enter through tiny gaps in a home’s exterior. Inspect the roofline, eaves, vents, and chimneys, and seal any openings with durable materials like steel mesh or caulk. Additionally, trimming tree branches that hang over the roof or near the house walls removes easy access points, preventing the squirrels from gliding directly onto the structure.