Overview
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Wisconsin is home to two species of native flying squirrels: the northern flying squirrel and the southern flying squirrel. Both are nocturnal gliding mammals that feature large eyes, flattened tails, and specialized skin folds (patagium) that allow them to glide over 150 feet in a single jump. [1, 2]
1. Species & Distribution
- Southern Flying Squirrel: Common and widespread throughout central and southern Wisconsin.
- Northern Flying Squirrel: Found mostly in the northern third of the state. Because their abundance is lower, they are classified as a Species of Special Concern and are a protected wild animal. [1, 2, 3]
2. Habitat & Behavior
- Diet: Omnivorous. They feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, tree buds, insects, and fungi/truffles. [1, 2]
- Nocturnal: They are active only at night, spending the daytime hours resting in tree cavities or in external nests (dreys) made of leaves and twigs. [1, 2]
- Winter Habits: They do not hibernate. Instead, they huddle together in groups of up to 30 to conserve body heat during Wisconsin’s cold winters. [1, 2]
3. Legal & Conservation Status
Both species are protected wild animals under Wisconsin law. This means they cannot be legally harmed or lethally managed without a specific depredation permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). [1, 2]
If you suspect you have flying squirrels in your home or attic, lethal removal is illegal without a permit. Instead, the WDNR recommends consulting a local conservation warden or wildlife biologist to safely and humanely exclude them. For more details on these elusive gliders, visit the EEK Wisconsin Wildlife Guide. [1, 2]
Flying Squirrel