New Brunswick has Flying Squirrels!?

Yes!  The northern flying squirrel is found across North America in areas of coniferous, hardwood or mixed wood mature forest (older forest).  Not many people are aware of flying squirrels because they are nocturnal.  In some areas they may be even more common than red squirrels.  Sometimes people find flying squirrels moving into their homes in the winter or when a cat catches one.  People are often surprised to know that flying squirrels are living in their area.  If you live near a forested area chances are flying squirrels are nearby.  Bird feeders sometime can attract flying squirrels.  Try shining a light on your feeder at night and you may be surprised to find a flying squirrel visiting!  Another way that you can attract flying squirrels is to put up a nest box.  Click here to learn about nest boxes and how you can make your own box.

How can I see flying squirrels?

Because they are noctural, flying squirrels are difficult to see just walking through the forest.  During the day flying squirrels are usually a sleep in snags (dead trees) or dreys (stick nests).  You can try knocking on hollow trees with holes when you are walking through the forest and if you are lucking you might just see one.  Most of the pictures on this website are taken by doing just that..although we cheat…we know flying squirrels are in the cavities because they have radio collars.

photo by Glen Forbes

Report a Sighting of Flying Squirrel
or Nest Box Use

If you live in Southern New Brunswick and you have flying squirrels living near you we would like to hear about it.  If you have pictures of flying squirrels at your feeder send them along and I will add them to our website.  To report an active nest box email: fundyflyingsquirrel@gmail.com

photo by Brian Townsand