The Types of Flying Squirrels Found in California

California is home to 28 species from the squirrel or sciuridae family, including several tree and ground squirrel varieties. Of the two species of American flying squirrels, only one lives in California. The northern flying squirrel is the native species, with its close relative, the southern flying squirrel, living in the eastern U.S.

  1. Description

    • The northern flying squirrel reaches 10 to 13 inches in length and weighs between 2 and 4 oz., on average. It has thick gray- or cinnamon-colored fur on its back with paler coloration on its belly. The squirrel has fleshy flaps of skin that run from the wrists of its front limbs to the ankles of its rear limbs on both sides of its body. When the squirrel jumps from a branch, it spreads its limbs, extending these flaps, which help it glide smoothly for distances of up to 90 meters.

    Habitat and Range

    • The squirrel is found in the north and central regions of California. Its entire home range includes most of Canada, southern Alaska and northern parts of the U.S. on both the East and West coasts. The squirrels live mainly in coniferous forests but are also found in deciduous woodlands. They are not suited to being on the ground, so they spend most of their time high in the trees using gliding to move around.

    Diet and Predators

    • The northern flying squirrel is mainly vegetarian, feeding on a range of nuts, fungi, mosses, fruits and tree sap. It also eats a small amount of animal protein such as small insects and occasionally eats bird eggs, if given the chance. Being able to glide helps the squirrel escape predators, but it is still vulnerable. If caught on the ground it can fall prey to cats. coyotes and weasels. Up in the trees, owls and hawks are a danger. It is a mainly nocturnal animal, which also helps it avoid predation.

    Life Cycle

    • The squirrels are solitary during the summer months but may congregate in winter to hibernate together. During breeding season, between March and May, the squirrels come together to mate. Pregnancies last between 37 and 42 days, after which one to six offspring are born in a twig nest in a tree hollow. The female raises the offspring alone for around three months before they are old enough to look after themselves. In captivity, the squirrels can live 13 years, but they survive around four years on average in the wild.