Photo: Southern Flying Squirrel, Wikimedia user Theodore Inoue
Did you know that flying squirrels are actually quite common in our backyards, but they are nocturnal and rarely seen. These interesting mammals have extendable cartilage at their wrists which supports their patagium, which is the membrane between their arms and legs that allows them to glide. They can glide 150 feet or more from a height of 60 feet! To attract them to your yard, provide native berry shrubs and nut trees. Leave dead trees (snags) up as long as they are safe. If a snag is a hazard, you can remove the top half and leave the trunk so that flying squirrels can nest in it. Learn more about flying squirrels and other sanctuary species, and how to create habitat for wildlife in your yard through our Audubon at Home program here.
