Understanding the Southern Flying Squirrel Range and Habitat

The Southern Flying Squirrel is a fascinating creature that can be found in a variety of habitats across its range.

These nocturnal mammals are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and are known to inhabit deciduous and mixed forests.

They are also found in urban areas, particularly in cities with mature tree populations, often roosting in tree cavities or under eaves.

Their habitat range extends from the southeastern United States to the Mid-Atlantic region, including states such as Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.

In Virginia, you can find southern flying squirrels throughout the state, except in the westernmost tip. They prefer to live in areas with heavy deciduous timber near water.

Their preferred habitat includes sufficient forested area for both food and tree cavity nest resources. This is why you'll often find them in eastern deciduous forests or mixed forests.

They especially like areas with large hickory and beech trees. Maple, poplar, and oak trees also make good homes for them.

You might find them in wooded areas near towns, but they usually don't live there in large numbers.

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Southern flying squirrels are found in North America, specifically in the eastern parts of the United States and southeastern Canada. They can be found in mixed forests, such as poplar, beech-maple, and oak hickory forests.

These adaptable squirrels can make their homes inside woodpecker holes, nests, and sometimes even nest together with other squirrels to keep warm during colder seasons.

Male southern flying squirrels tend to have larger home ranges than females, which might be because they need to travel further to find mates. On average, this means their home ranges are bigger than those of females.

Female squirrels' home ranges can expand significantly after their babies leave the nest. This makes sense, as they need to explore new areas to find food and shelter for themselves and their growing family.

Squirrels living in the northern parts of their range have even larger home ranges, likely because food trees are more spread out there. This is also true for forests that are broken up into smaller pieces, where nesting spots and food sources are far apart.

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The southern flying squirrels can be found in mixed forests in the eastern parts of the United States and southeastern Canada.

Their home is not limited to one type of forest, they can be found in poplar, beech-maple, and oak hickory forests.

Male squirrels tend to have larger home ranges than females, which might be because males need to travel further to find mates.

Female squirrels' home ranges can get much bigger after their babies leave the nest.

Squirrels living in the northern parts of their range tend to have larger home ranges because food trees are more spread out there.

In forests that are broken up into smaller pieces, nesting spots and food sources are far apart, which also leads to larger home ranges.

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