Meet the Flying Mitten
Aren't they really cute? Yes, I love them so much. So, why they are called "flying mittens"? Can they really fly? A Flying Squirrel has an aerodynamic membrane that made them possible to glide and bounce from tree to tree as if they are flying but actually they are leaping as far as 260 feet.
The name "flying mitten" is fitting, since while gliding the squirrels appeared to be completely flattened much like a mitten. Plus, these extraordinary rodents has unique eyes which resemble large black pearls, nocturnal mammals and loves to play in the springtime.
This page will discover more exciting information about the life of these flying squirrels!
Did you know that...
The flying squirrels, scientifically known as Pteromyini or Petauristini, are a tribe of squirrels (family Sciuridae). There are 43 species in this tribe, the largest of which is the woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus). The two species of the genus Glaucomys (Glaucomys sabrinus and Glaucomys volans) are native to North America, and the Siberian flying squirrel is native to parts of northern Europe (Pteromys volans).
The term flying is somewhat misleading, since flying squirrels are actually gliders incapable of true flight. Steering is accomplished by adjusting tautness of the patagium, largely controlled by a small cartilaginous wrist bone. The tail acts as a stabilizer in flight, much like the tail of a kite, and as an adjunct airfoil when "braking" prior to landing on a tree trunk.
Though their life expectancy is only about six years in the wild, flying squirrels often live between 10 and 15 years in captivity. This difference is due to these creatures being important prey animals. Predation mortality rates in sub-adults are very high. Predators include arboreal snakes, raccoons, nocturnal owls, martens, fishers, coyotes, and the domestic house cat. In the Pacific Northwest of North America, the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) is a well-known predator. They are also nocturnal.
They have been kept as pets since the US colonial era.
Lendorav (Flying Squirrel)
Namdapha Flying Squirrel can be found in the eastern Himalayas, north-east India.
Flying Squirrel Stuff
Learn More about the Flying Squirrels!
The Fantastic Flying Squirrel (Collins Big Cat)
Amazon Price: $6.36 (as of 10/13/2008)
Flying Squirrels (Pull Ahead Books)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 10/13/2008)
Plush Flying Squirrel Puppet
Amazon Price: $8.59 (as of 10/13/2008)
This Flying Squirrel hand puppet measures 15" tall.
You might want a new pairs of MITTENS!
Find what suits you in this list...
Squirrel | Birds | Rodents Feeder
These feeders are intended for squirrels keeping the jays from stealing...
WILDWOOD FARM 2081 SQUIRREL MUNCH BOX REDWOOD
The munch box is designed specifically for the squirrels who have their nose into everything. You will be entertained by watching the squirrel lift the lid, reach in and grab it's favorite snack. The hinged lid keeps the feed dry while keeping it accessible to your furry friends.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 10/13/2008)
Varicraft NJM1 'NJoyEm Feeder Squirrel Feeder
From the Manufacturer
Varicraft 'NJoyEm Squirrel Feeder dispenses whole corn kernels, cracked corn, peanut hearts and sunflower seeds a little bit at a time. Squirrels must learn to pull down bar to be rewarded with food. This feeder will lure squirrels away from bird feeders. Provides hours of enjoyment. If you can't beat them, then "NJoyEm."
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $69.28 (as of 10/13/2008)
Rogers & Kirkwood BFSQPBT Big and Tall Bird Seed Vault Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder
Product Description
Big and Tall Bird Seed Vault Features the same patented, adjustable weight-actuated baffle and locking lid as the Double-sided Bird Seed Vault but with a taller seed column. The Big and Tall feeder holds over 6 lbs of seed. The new handle design prevents the feeder from being knocked askew by the wind or a squirrel. Stainless steel spring provides adjustable weight settings to dial in for specific bird species. The spring design has been improved to eliminate the potential for squirrels to pull the spring out. Stainless steel two-sided perching area appeals to the widest range of bird species.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 10/13/2008)
Flying Squirrel Apparels on Amazon
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What the web says about the Flying Squirrel
- Natural Treasure Flying Squirrel Found at 36th Army Base
- Korea's natural treasure 328, the flying squirrel, was found at the 36th Army Division in Wonju, Gangwon Province. According to the army base, ...
- October air perfumed with scents of autumn
- Generally, several flying squirrels den up together to conserve energy. Flying squirrels are more carnivorous than other squirrel species. ...
- VIP ‘treatment’ for flying squirrel
- The Indian giant flying squirrel admitted at the hospital of the Mannuthy veterinary college near Thrissur. KOCHI: He is under close observation of doctors. ...
- Sex Offender Sentenced For Child Enticement
- Hamblin apparently told the children they should come into the woods to see a flying squirrel. The children's parents saw what was happening and stopped ...
Flying Squirrel Web Links
- Flying Squirrels
- The only full-featured flying squirrel resource on the internet.
- Flying Squirrels in Kentucky
- Most people live their lives only vaguely aware that flying squirrels actually exist. They are perhaps something remembered from adolescence , a text book ...
- Flying Squirrels as Pets
- Information on keeping southern flying squirrels as pets.
- Critters Collection: Southern Flying Squirrels
- A small, brown, furry, white-bellied little creature, Glaucomys volans, known as the Southern flying squirrel, appears to be a conglomerate of a dormouse, ...
- flyingsquirrel.org
- Welcome to. flyingsquirrel.org. This site is currently under construction. For more information, email: tmore@arraytheory.com.
- Flying Squirrels
- Flying squirrels were named so for their ability to smoothly glide in the air. They do not have wings, but there is a membrane between their front and rear ...
- The Flying Squirrel
- Northern flying squirrels are small mammals with long front teeth and a long bushy tail. Adult squirrels are 12 inches long and weigh 5 ounces. ...
- Mammals » Rodents » Squirrel - Southern Flying Main Page
- Detailed information and pet care on the Squirrel - Southern Flying, plus photos, breeders, registries, clubs, and more.
- The biogeography of Northern Flying Squirrels
- Glaucomys sabrinus, also known as the northern flying squirrel are small ... The northern flying squirrel has a flight membrane called a patagium that ...
Quick, what do you think?
I just want to hear from you!
Share your stories, sightings, thoughts, rants, raves...
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mulberry
Awfully cute! I would love to actually see one in action. Posted August 29, 2008 |
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GramaBarb
Love this lens! I have never even seen a picture of the Namdapha Flying Squirrel before -- soooo cute! 5* Posted July 22, 2008 |
