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PHOTO: A flying squirrel at Duck Wildlife Care Center. (Submitted photo)
By Jayne Winters
When I stopped by the Wildlife Care Center the other day to deliver some muffins to Don Cote, I was interested in a recent admission: a flying squirrel that had probably been hit by a car. I was hoping to get a close-up peek, but flyers are nocturnal animals, so it remained hidden under the bedding while I was there. Don said the squirrel was eating and drinking well, however, and was quite active during evening hours.
Although Duck Pond typically gets 35-50 flying squirrel admissions annually, Don said he only had two the previous year, which he released in the spring. He suspects others may have been taken to other rehabbers or injuries aren’t being reported or treated. I wonder if climate change or loss of habitat is having an impact on their population?
I found an article Carleen Cote had written and share some of her information:
“Flying squirrels are nocturnal and seldom seen. Their eyes protrude, much like the eyes of a bat, an asset as they move about at night, gliding through the trees, from the highest limb to lowest. Although they are called flying squirrels, they actually glide by means of four covered folds of skin that extend from wrists to ankles, which provide a broad surface when the limbs are extended sideways. They have a flattened tail, are relatively lightweight and have extremely soft fur, much softer than velvet, which provides little friction resistance to air. Flyers are basically vegetarians but are not seed eaters, and they will consume insects and meat if it is available. They live in old woodpecker holes; several may occupy the same hole. Active all winter, they apparently do not store food.”
Carleen wrote a second column in 2012: “Flying squirrels are not chewers or destructive (like) reds and grays. They gather together in the winter for warmth. So far this year we have 51 flyers in residence. Flying squirrels usually move into a building when cold weather arrives. If they become a problem and are trapped, they should never be released outside because they would probably freeze to death. Call the nearest rehabilitator to ask if they will hold them for the winter. We are always available to take any in need of a warm place to stay during the cold months.”
Next month, I’ll provide information from my research regarding habitat, diet, family structure, and characteristics of the flying squirrel. Did you know there are two species in Maine?
Although admissions typically slow down at this time of year, Don will get calls from folks worried about young animals now on their own, adjusting to life in the wild without their mothers’ care. Some are simply learning how to be independent, but others may indeed be orphaned or injured, struggling to survive. While Don continues to take them in, he does transfer rescues to other rehabbers who are generously providing assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable.
Check for a rehabber closer to you at mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html.
– Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Route 3 in Vassalboro is operated by Donald Cote. It is a nonprofit federal and state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address is 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989; telephone is 207-445-4326; please note: email is not being monitored.
