Rocket J. Squirrel is unusual for his breed, which tends to be less adventurous and a bit more reclusive.
A flying squirrel takes a break on land. (Courtesy and (c) Dirk Van Der Merwe.)
Many of us share our yards, our bird seed and even our houses with a fascinating critter we hardly ever see. For instance, have you noticed that your suet disappears overnight? That your so-called "squirrel-proof" bird feeder is emptied by morning? Are you awakended by thumps, bumps and scratching noises overhead in your attic? Your nocturnal marauder may be a flying squirrel.
Actually the name "flying squirrel" is a bit of a misnomer. They don't fly, they glide. Instead of wings, they have flaps of skin between their front and back legs. When they take off, they launch themselves into the air and extend their legs, stretching out their legs kind of like small furry parachutes, and can glide 20 yards or more, usually to another tree.
These little aviators adore underground mushrooms, and will dig in the forest soil for choice truffles. After feasting the squirrels excrete mushroom spores in their droppings, helping to spread the fungi throughout the forrest. These mushrooms have a beneficial relationship with trees. So the squirrels may play an important role in maintaining forest health.
If you suspect you have flying squirrels visiting your feeders, try to catch them in the act. A moonlit night can provide just enough light for squirrel watching. And you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse as one of our most reclusive and interesting mammals glides by.
