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Siberian flying squirrel

Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans)

Pteromys volans, or Siberian Flying squirrel

Siberian Flying squirrel
In fact, Siberian Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is similar in appearance to the normal squirrel. However, its body seems to be flat, as on the sides between its front and rear legs on each side there is a fold of skin. This skin can stretch wide, covered with fur, so-called “patagium”. When the membrane is stretched to jump the Siberian Flying Squirrel may glide from tree to tree across distances of over a hundred meters. The flight of flying squirrels is not directed by tail, as some believe, but by membrane tension and the position of the front legs. Tail works in flight as stabilizer and helps to brake before landing on a tree trunk.

Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans)

Siberian squirrel (Pteromys volans) in flight

It is very difficult to spot Flying squirrels in the woods. Protective coloration helps it to blend in with the gray trunks of aspen. It rarely leaves traces on the ground, and generally they resemble traces of a usual squirrel. The presence of flying squirrels in the woods can be found by its low chirping voice heard late at night.

Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans)

The squirrel at night resembles a bat, looks a little scary

Staple food for flying squirrels make various hardwoods, young needles, seeds of conifers (pine, larch), in summer – mushrooms and berries. Sometimes flying squirrels chew thin young bark of willow, aspen, birch, maple. But the main food – alder and birch catkins. Flying squirrel stores them for the winter, putting in a hollow. Presumably, can also eat bird eggs and nestlings. Its diet varies depending on the habitat.

Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans)

The flight

The food for Siberian Squirrel is leaves, seeds, cones, buds, sprouts, nuts, berries, which squirrel may store for the winter in old woodpecker holes or similar nooks. In cold weather, flying squirrel activity is sharply reduced.

Siberian flying squirrel

Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans)

Spread wings

Flying squirrel (Pteromys volans)

The view of the squirrel (Pteromys volans)

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