Southern flying squirrels have grey brown fur on top with darker flanks and are a cream color underneath. They have large dark eyes and a flattened tail. They have a furry membrane called a patagium which extends between the front and rear legs, used to glide through the air. Southern Flying Squirrels feed on fruit and nuts from trees such as red and white oak, hickory and beech.
Ten Facts about Southern Flying Squirrel
- They have a furry membrane called a patagium which extends between the front and rear legs, used to glide through the air.
- Southern Flying Squirrels feed on fruit and nuts from trees such as red and white oak, hickory and beech.
- They store food, especially acorns, for winter consumption.
- Predators include snakes[2], owls, hawks and raccoons. Domestic house cats can be dangerous to these animals.
- The gestation period is approximately 40 days.
- Parents leave their young 65 days after they are born. The young then become fully independent at 120 days of age.
- Their home ranges may be up to 40,000 square meters for females and double that for males.
- Pet flying squirrels can live up to 15 years in captivity.
- They are the littlest of the squirrel species with only a 3-4 inch long body.
- Attain sexual maturity at the age of 3-4 years.
