Flying squirrels are some of the most elusive and fascinating mammals in North America. Unlike regular squirrels, they glide silently through the night, making them hard to spot… unless you know what to look for. If you’re hoping to attract flying squirrels to your yard, there are a few things you need to get right. But before you start putting out food or installing boxes, it’s important to know if these animals even live in your area.
In this article, we’ll cover where flying squirrels are found, what kind of environment they need, and what steps you can take to give them a reason to stop by your yard.
Article highlights
- Flying squirrels are nocturnal and rarely seen, but you can attract them with the right habitat
- They only live in certain parts of the country, so location is key
- Simple things like food sources, cover, and quiet can make a big difference
- A trail camera is often the only way to confirm they’re visiting
Where do flying squirrels live?
There are several types of squirrels found in the U.S., and flying squirrels are among the most unique. There are two main species native to the country, each with its own distinct range. The southern flying squirrel is more common and widespread, especially in the eastern half of the country. The northern flying squirrel prefers cooler, forested environments and is more limited to the far north, higher elevations, and along some western mountain ranges. Knowing which species lives in your region is the first step before trying to attract them.
In many states, especially across the Midwest, Appalachians, and Northeast, both species can be found. However, they typically occupy different habitats within those regions. Southern flying squirrels favor hardwood forests, while northern flying squirrels tend to live in coniferous or mixed forests. In rare areas where their ranges overlap directly, such as parts of the Great Lakes and Appalachians, hybridization between the two species has been documented.
Southern flying squirrel range
The southern flying squirrel (seen above) can be found in a wide range of states across the eastern and central U.S. They prefer mature deciduous forests, especially those with plenty of nut-producing trees like oaks and hickories.
States where southern flying squirrels are found:
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Northern flying squirrel range
Northern flying squirrels are more cold-tolerant and tend to live in coniferous or mixed forests. Their range is more spotty and includes parts of the Northeast, upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and mountainous areas of the West.
States where northern flying squirrels are found:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky (eastern region), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina (western mountains), Ohio (northeast corner), Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
How to attract flying squirrels to your yard
Attracting flying squirrels takes a mix of patience, location, and the right habitat. These animals are nocturnal, quiet, and extremely cautious, so you’re unlikely to see them without some planning. Everything from your location to your lighting and tree cover can affect whether or not flying squirrels show up. The tips below are designed to create a yard space that flying squirrels will want to visit, but results depend on whether you live within their natural range.
1. Install a flying squirrel nesting box
Nesting boxes give flying squirrels a safe place to rest during the day. They typically sleep in tree cavities, but in suburban areas where dead trees are removed, nesting boxes can be a good alternative. The ideal box should be made from untreated wood, mounted 10 to 20 feet high, and placed in a quiet, wooded area.
Boxes with side entrances and rough interior walls are best, as these mimic natural cavities and help them climb in and out. Make sure the box is away from heavy human activity or frequent noise. If you’re in a mixed forest or near mature trees, flying squirrels may find the box on their own over time.
The entrance hole should be between 1.25 and 1.5 inches in diameter or about the same size as a bluebird house opening. This size allows flying squirrels to enter easily while keeping out larger animals like gray squirrels or raccoons. Always position the hole on the side of the box, near the top, to mimic the natural structure of a tree cavity.
2. Offer squirrel-friendly food sources
Flying squirrels eat a wide variety of foods including acorns, hickory nuts, seeds, fruit, insects, and even bird eggs on occasion. If you want to attract them, offer food that matches what they find in the wild. A squirrel feeder or plain platform feeder with black oil sunflower seeds, unsalted peanuts, or chopped fruit can help.
They usually come out at night, so don’t expect to see them during the day. Setting food out at dusk is your best bet. Keep in mind, food may also attract other nighttime wildlife, so monitor the feeder if possible.
3. Provide a water source
Like all wildlife, flying squirrels need access to water. A shallow, accessible water source such as a birdbath or low basin placed near wooded cover can encourage visits. Make sure it’s clean, filled regularly, and placed in a spot that’s quiet and safe from predators.
If you’re already feeding birds or other animals, placing the water nearby can be convenient. However, avoid placing it too close to the house or strong lights, as this can discourage shy animals like flying squirrels.
4. Avoid bright yard lighting at night
Flying squirrels are sensitive to light. They’re naturally active in the dark, and bright yard lights can scare them off or disrupt their activity. If you’re trying to spot them, consider using a red-filtered flashlight which is less disturbing than white or blue light.
Motion lights should be turned off in areas where you’re trying to attract wildlife. A naturally dark yard with good tree cover is more likely to get nighttime visitors, especially skittish ones like flying squirrels.
5. Maintain natural tree cover and forest floor
Flying squirrels prefer areas with mature trees and dense foliage. They use tree canopies to glide and rely on older trees with cavities for nesting. Avoid removing large trees or trimming branches that form continuous cover above your yard.
Letting some leaves, twigs, and bark accumulate on the ground also helps. A messy forest floor can support insects, fungi, and other food sources that squirrels may rely on. Keeping your yard too manicured might make it less appealing to them.
6. Keep cats and pets indoors at night
Flying squirrels are small and vulnerable to predators. Outdoor cats, especially, are a major threat to all small mammals, and they’re most active during the same hours flying squirrels come out. Keeping pets indoors after dark increases the chances that flying squirrels will visit and stick around.
Even if your cat doesn’t hunt, its presence alone can scare off sensitive wildlife. Try to minimize any pet activity in the areas where you’re trying to attract or observe squirrels.
7. Place feeders near tree cover
Flying squirrels rarely cross open spaces. If you want them to find your food offerings, position squirrel feeders close to trees, ideally with overhanging limbs they can glide from. The closer the feeder is to their natural travel routes, the more likely they’ll use it.
A platform feeder mounted on a post or attached to a tree trunk works well. Avoid placing feeders out in the open or near bright lights. Keep everything subtle, quiet, and close to dense vegetation.
8. Use a trail camera to confirm visits
You may never see a flying squirrel directly, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t visiting. A trail camera set up near feeders or nesting areas can help confirm activity. Look for models with infrared night vision and fast motion sensors.
Many flying squirrel sightings happen only after reviewing camera footage the next morning. Cameras can also help you spot patterns in their behavior or feeding preferences over time.
9. Avoid noisy or high-traffic areas
Flying squirrels avoid busy areas. Loud music, frequent foot traffic, barking dogs, or even too many people on a patio can make them disappear. Try to keep the area where you’ve placed feeders or boxes as undisturbed as possible during the evening and night hours.
If you live in a quiet neighborhood near wooded land, you’re more likely to have success. For best results, limit activity in the target area after sunset and let the space remain still and calm.
How to know if flying squirrels are visiting
The biggest sign is seeing movement or gliding shapes in the trees after dark. They make soft chirping or squeaking sounds but are usually silent when gliding. Look for signs like chewed nuts, droppings near feeders, or activity on trail cameras. They’re rarely seen during daylight hours.
Most people who have flying squirrels around don’t realize it until they review footage or spot one by chance. Night vision gear or red-filtered flashlights can help, but patience is key.
Legal considerations and protected species
In some states, flying squirrels are considered protected or of special concern, especially the northern species in certain regions. It’s important not to trap, handle, or interfere with them directly. Instead, focus on creating habitat and letting them come to you.
Always check your local wildlife regulations if you plan to install a box or feed wildlife regularly. Encouraging natural visitation is generally fine, but taking animals in or trying to domesticate them may be restricted or illegal in your state.
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Want to learn more about what makes these animals so unique? Check out these interesting facts about flying squirrels next.
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