This Flying Squirrel is a nocturnal creature who, as I just found out, comes at night and steals the food set out for the birds. It isn't bad enough that the chippies and red squirrels get the bird seed in the day time!
Canadian Geographic says that "Contrary to what its name suggests, the flying squirrel cannot fly. Instead, it glides with two furry membranes, called patagia, loosely stretched between its wrists and ankles. The membranes act as a parachute to support the squirrel while jumping from tree to tree ... it has a flat, furry tail that it uses as a rudder while gliding. The squirrel uses both its tail and membrane to steer left and right, and even to make 180-degree turns." The longest known glide was 90 meters.
What a fabulous shot! How did you get so close? Beautiful night shot too for this nocturnal little "thief!" Cute-looking fella . . and sure was well- built for maneuvering around. Thanks for the pic and info, Anne.
This is such a cool capture, Anne! I've never seen one, and I don't think I even know anyone who has. They look very different from regular squirrels - almost like a chinchilla.
This little guy is so cute. I have enough with regular squirrels. This year I planted tulips only to have them all dug up. Didn't know about the chicken wire. This little guy would keep my cats in the window all night.
Awww, he's so cute, trouble maker that he is! There are flying squirrels on the cape too. The information you give is very interesting. I thought they were actually flying. Silly me.
He's a cutie He's more compact that the regular squirrels. I've not seen one of these around. The day squirrels do a number on bird food. Great capture. Nicely researched.
Great shot! How did you sneak up on him? We get these in our attic and we have to trap them and set them free. Which is not good for them, but other choice is to have to kill them. :0(
This is awesome!! I love it! It reminds me of when one of them came down the stove pipe at my parents' house in the middle of the night. Hilarious hearing my mom tell about my dad trying to figure out exactly what was in the house and then trying to catch it....all the while trying to wake up......since they were both fast asleep when the commotion began. He finally caught it in an empty trash can and turned it loose....then went back to bed ;)
Great info as well!