Are There Flying Squirrels in Alaska?

Where Flying Squirrels Are Found in Alaska

Northern flying squirrels in Alaska are found in discontinuous pockets of suitable forest habitat. The most well-documented populations occur in the interior boreal forests near Fairbanks and the Tanana Valley, where spruce and birch forests provide appropriate habitat. Populations also inhabit the Kenai Peninsula, where dense spruce forests create conditions suitable for flying squirrels. Southeastern Alaska supports populations in the temperate rainforests of the Tongass National Forest, where hemlock and spruce dominate. The Chugach Mountains support flying squirrel populations in accessible forest zones. However, Alaska's vast areas of treeless tundra, open taiga, and low-productivity forests limit flying squirrel distribution. Northern Alaska, including the Brooks Range and Arctic regions, lacks suitable habitat. The remoteness of many Alaska forests means that flying squirrel presence remains largely undocumented. Visit theAlaska wildlife hubto explore what other animals inhabit these diverse forest regions.

Season and Timing

Northern flying squirrels in Alaska are active year-round despite the harsh climate and extreme seasonal variations. Summer activity centers on foraging and raising young in the long daylight hours, though flying squirrels remain primarily active at night. Fall is critical for gathering and caching food supplies for winter survival. During the extended darkness of winter, flying squirrels remain active but spend extended periods in their nest cavities during the coldest temperatures. The relatively short and intense breeding season occurs in spring, with females giving birth to litters as snow begins to melt. Summer nights, though brief, provide optimal foraging conditions when temperatures are most tolerable. Activity patterns shift throughout the year based on food availability, temperature extremes, and daylight duration. The unique Alaska seasonal cycle, with nearly 24-hour daylight in summer and extended darkness in winter, profoundly affects flying squirrel behavior. Spring and fall transitions represent periods of heightened activity as squirrels prepare for seasonal changes. Understanding Alaska's extreme seasonal patterns helps explain the adaptations these animals have developed.

How to Identify a Flying Squirrel

Northern flying squirrels are small, weighing about 2 to 3.5 ounces, considerably smaller than Alaska's tree squirrels. Their most distinctive feature is the gliding membrane, a fold of skin stretching between front and hind legs. When at rest in trees, this membrane is not visible. Fur is dense, ranging from grayish-brown to russet-brown on the back and white or cream-colored on the belly. Large, dark eyes are adapted for night vision and positioned toward the front of the head. Ears are small and rounded. Their bushy tails, though flattened slightly, appear similar to other squirrel tails at first glance. Adults measure about 9 to 10 inches from head to rear, with tails adding 8 to 10 inches. Northern flying squirrels make vocalizations including low chirps and chattering sounds. Clear identification requires nighttime observation since they are strictly nocturnal. Their gliding ability and small size distinguish them from Alaska's diurnal tree squirrels.

Where Sightings Concentrate

Flying squirrel sightings in Alaska concentrate in specific forest types and regions. Interior boreal forests near Fairbanks and the Tanana Valley support documented populations in mature spruce stands. Kenai Peninsula forests, particularly old-growth spruce and mixed coniferous stands, harbor flying squirrels. Southeastern Alaska's temperate rainforests in the Tongass National Forest provide excellent habitat in hemlock and spruce-dominated ecosystems. The Chugach Mountains support populations in accessible forest zones near timberline. Areas with cavity-bearing trees, including older spruces, hemlocks, and birches, are most likely to host flying squirrels. Forests with complex structure, including multiple canopy layers and abundant dead wood, provide optimal habitat. Most sightings occur in protected, undisturbed forest stands away from human development. Alaska's remote locations mean that flying squirrel presence remains largely undocumented outside known forest regions. The vast scale of Alaska's forests suggests populations may be more widespread than current records indicate. Learning aboutAlaska's forest wildlifehelps observers understand where flying squirrels might be encountered.

Typical Behavior

Northern flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, remaining hidden in tree cavities and leaf nests during daytime. They emerge at night to forage through the canopy with remarkable agility and speed. Diet consists primarily of fungi, particularly ground mushrooms and tree fungi, supplemented with nuts, seeds, insects, and occasionally vegetation. Fall foraging includes gathering spruce seeds and other mast for winter caching. Females typically give birth to litters of four to seven young in spring, born in cavity nests high in large trees. Young remain dependent for several months before dispersing in late summer. Flying squirrels are generally solitary but maintain overlapping home ranges of several acres. They communicate through vocalizations and scent marking. During harsh winters, flying squirrels huddle together in communal nests for warmth and energy conservation. This social thermoregulation is critical for survival in Alaska's extreme climate. Their ability to glide allows efficient movement through extensive forest without expending excessive energy on ground travel. Winter survival depends entirely on fall food caches and stored energy reserves.

Coexistence and Safety

Northern flying squirrels are completely harmless to humans and pose no threat to people or property. In Alaska, these squirrels are not protected by specific laws but are not hunted or trapped commercially. Their remote forest habitat means they rarely interact with humans. Residential areas with mature forest nearby might occasionally attract flying squirrels, particularly in Anchorage's or Fairbanks' forested suburbs. Having flying squirrels present indicates healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystem. These squirrels are not aggressive and actively avoid human contact. They do not enter buildings, cause property damage, or create nuisance issues. Northern flying squirrels are important ecosystem members, dispersing fungal spores through their diet and movement, which benefits forest regeneration. Their presence indicates that old-growth forest structure remains intact. Wildlife managers recognize flying squirrels as indicators of forest health and biodiversity. Protecting mature forests and maintaining natural cavity-bearing trees supports flying squirrel populations. Learning aboutAlaska's wildlifebuilds appreciation for these nocturnal forest inhabitants.

Common Species Confusion

Flying squirrels could potentially be confused with other small mammals in Alaska, though encounters are rare. The most likely confusion would be with juvenile red squirrels, which are active during daytime and far more commonly observed. Juvenile red squirrels lack the gliding membrane and the large, forward-facing eyes of flying squirrels. Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal while red squirrels are diurnal. The nocturnal gliding membrane is the diagnostic feature, visible when the animal is in mid-glide. Ground squirrels in Alaska are ground-dwelling and lack arboreal habits and gliding ability. Shrews are much smaller and lack the bushy tail and large eyes characteristic of flying squirrels. Mice are also much smaller and lack the distinctive body plan and gliding capability. Alaska's remote forests mean encounters with any small nocturnal mammal are rare. If you see a small, furry animal gliding silently between trees at night in an Alaska forest, it is almost certainly a northern flying squirrel. Its nighttime activity and gliding ability make it distinctive amongAlaska wildlifespecies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are flying squirrels in Alaska? Northern flying squirrels are present in suitable forest habitats throughout interior and southeastern Alaska but are rarely encountered. Populations are not well-studied and remain poorly documented. Most Alaskans have never seen one due to their nocturnal habits and remote forest locations.

What should I do if I see a flying squirrel? Observe from a distance and enjoy the sighting. Flying squirrels are not dangerous and do not need to be trapped. Consider reporting observations to local wildlife agencies or universities to contribute to scientific understanding.

How can I attract flying squirrels to my property? Maintain mature forest with old trees and natural cavities. Avoid removing dead trees, as these provide essential nesting sites and attract insects that flying squirrels eat. Minimize nighttime lighting that can disrupt their nocturnal activity.

Are flying squirrels endangered in Alaska? Northern flying squirrels are not listed as endangered or threatened in Alaska. However, forest loss and timber harvest threaten populations. Protecting old-growth forest and maintaining cavity-bearing trees ensures flying squirrel survival. Explore more aboutAlaska's wildlife habitats.