Identification
The southern flying squirrel is about the size of a chipmunk, and the northern flying squirrel is slightly larger. Flying squirrels are noted for their dense fur, glossy olive-brown above and white below, large brown eyes, and mild disposition. Only the shrews and moles have fur that comes close in softness and silkiness to that of flying squirrels.
The southern species is about nine inches long, while the northern species measures almost 11 inches, including the wide flattened tail which is nearly half as long as the flying squirrel.
The southern and northern flying squirrels weigh two and three ounces, respectively.
The upper fur is gray-brown, whereas the fur, including the tail, is white.
Reproduction
Females of both species mate in early spring, and about five weeks later, give birth to three to five tiny, blind young. Southern flying squirrels may have two litters in summer, but this rarely occurs in northern flying squirrel females.
Food
Flying squirrels eat a variety of fruits and nuts, insects, small birds, and meat scraps. Flying squirrels are frequent visitors at bird feeders. Some people have lights at the feeders so they can watch the flying squirrel's antics at night.
Predators
Predators include small hawks and owls, foxes, weasels, and in northern Minnesota, marten.
Habitat and range
Living in tree hollows or leaf nests, flying squirrels are the only nocturnal squirrels in Minnesota. Seldom will you see them on the ground. Southern flying squirrels are found mainly in southern Minnesota hardwood forests, while the northern sub-species occurs in northern Minnesota forests.
Population and management
Flying squirrels, though unprotected in Minnesota, have no meat or fur value and thus are not hunted or trapped. Some management occurs when old trees or "snags" with cavities are left in logging operations.
Fun facts
With their loose fold of skin (called a patagium) stretched between all four legs, they are able to glide considerable distances under full control, though most glides are 20 to 30 feet. Many people who think they see birds flying across highways at night actually are seeing flying squirrels. Flying squirrels do not hibernate, but slow their body activity in winter and sometimes nest in groups to stay warm.
The Cache
The cache is a camouflage pill bottle in a tree. It is not on the ground and is winter friendly. It contains a log, a pencil with an add-on eraser, a sharpener and one handmade polymer-clay gummybear.
In winter, the trail is used extensively by snowmobilers. Be watchful for snowmobile (snow machine) traffic as it can exceed 60 mph.
NOTE: This cache may not be SUMMER friendly. No maintenance, including weed control, is performed during summer months.
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