Despite their name, the flying squirrels don\u2019t actually fly, Kieschnick says. They don\u2019t have actual wings but skin flaps between their limbs that allow them to glide on the wind. The squirrels live in tall trees, so this helps them get around to look for nuts and seeds or escape owls and snakes. <\/p>\n
Since the first sighting, Gilliam has spotted the flying squirrels but has only been able to get a glimpse for a second as they flee from her flashlight beam. She recognizes them by the squeaking and chirping sound they make. In fact, she says anyone wanting to try to see one should get to know the noise they make and listen for them. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was amazed at how loud and obnoxious their noises were and for how long they would make those noises because to me that would just signal a predator,\u201d she says. \u201cBut they must have some reason for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
That reason is communication, Kieschnick says, including when they travel in groups. The flying squirrels are active year-round, but they might be more visible in the colder months because they need to move around more to work up more body heat. And if they are living in trees that lose their leaves in the winter, you may have a better chance at seeing them then. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re super, super secretive, mostly because they\u2019re nocturnal, too,\u201d Kieschnick says, adding that they also need to keep hidden to avoid being dinner. \u201cIf you\u2019re food, you don\u2019t want to be seen by someone that\u2019s hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because of this, Gilliam has a hard time convincing others to believe they live in our neighborhood. Even Kieschnick has never seen one in the wild. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere was one day I came home from work, and I heard one in the neighbor\u2019s yard,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019m standing there in my neighbor\u2019s yard just trying to get eyes on it because I know it\u2019s in the top of this tree. The postman comes by, and I\u2019m like, \u2018There\u2019s a flying squirrel in the top of this tree,\u2019 and he looks at me like, \u2018Are you crazy?\u2019 He just keeps on walking, and I\u2019m like, \u2018OK, never mind. I don\u2019t want to be that crazy lady.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Kieschnick mentioned hearing of someone using a trail or game camera to catch a glimpse of flying squirrels. But anyone who tries this needs to be prepared to see all kinds of wildlife, including rats. <\/p>\n
Gilliam hasn\u2019t had the experience of the flying squirrels being as destructive as regular squirrels, but Kieschnick says they have the tendency to chew on things. Like all rodents, their incisor teeth never stop growing.<\/p>\n
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\u201cTo keep those from growing into the back of their brain, basically, they have to chisel down those incisors,\u201d he says. \u201cIf there\u2019s something that they can use to chisel down those incisors, they will use that. That can sometimes mean the balcony of our houses or wires, even things like wires that they\u2019re not using to eat; they\u2019re using to chisel. Like all squirrels and like all rodents, they can potentially be pests or nuisances. What I tell people about basically all squirrels and rodents is just finding the ways around your home to prevent them from gaining access.\u201d<\/p>\n
For anyone who has seen one up close, or at least has Googled a picture of them, prepare to fall in love. These flying squirrels are about 6-8 inches long (smaller than standard squirrels), soft and have big, doe eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re so dang cute,\u201d Kieschnick says. \u201cThey\u2019re just so adorable.\u201d <\/p>\n
The flying squirrels\u2019 big eyes have a purpose \u2014 because they are nocturnal, they need eyes that can absorb as much light as possible at night, the urban wildlife biologist says. He also points out that just because they\u2019re attractive doesn\u2019t mean they would make good pets. <\/p>\n