Are There Flying Squirrels in Arkansas?

Where Flying Squirrels Are Found in Arkansas

Flying squirrels occur throughout most of Arkansas, with populations strongest in forested regions. The Ozark Plateau of northwestern Arkansas provides excellent habitat with mature oak, hickory, and mixed hardwood forests. The Ouachita National Forest in western and south-central Arkansas supports substantial flying squirrel populations. The Ozark National Forest and various state parks harbor populations. Flying squirrels are found in the bottomland hardwood forests of eastern and southeastern Arkansas, particularly along the White River, Arkansas River, and their tributary systems. They inhabit riparian forests along the Buffalo National River and Caddo River regions. Central Arkansas's mixed hardwood forests support populations. Flying squirrels prefer areas with large cavity-bearing trees, particularly old oaks and hickories. The eastern lowlands, though less mountainous, still support flying squirrels in appropriate forest settings. Flying squirrels are absent only from deforested agricultural areas, developed regions, and open landscapes. They require continuous forest canopy and cavity-bearing trees. Most of Arkansas's forested land provides suitable habitat for flying squirrels. Visit theArkansas wildlife hubto explore other forest animals sharing these diverse ecosystems.

Season and Timing

Flying squirrels in Arkansas are active year-round, though activity patterns shift seasonally. Fall represents the most active season when flying squirrels spend long hours foraging and gathering nuts and seeds for winter caches. Acorns and hickory nuts become abundant, driving frantic gathering behavior. Winter activity continues as squirrels utilize cached food, though severe cold spells reduce nightly foraging. Spring breeding season brings increased activity as females prepare for reproduction and raise new litters. Early summer sees young flying squirrels emerging from nests, increasing overall population activity. Summer nights provide active foraging opportunities as insects become abundant. The relatively mild Arkansas climate allows flying squirrels to remain active throughout winter compared to northern regions. Autumn and winter evenings are ideal for observing flying squirrel activity in forested areas. Spring transitions bring renewed vigor as breeding begins. Throughout the year, mild nights and favorable weather increase activity more than harsh conditions. Understanding Arkansas's seasonal patterns helps predict when flying squirrels are most likely to be encountered. Learn aboutArkansas wildlife seasonsto find when all forest animals are most active.

How to Identify a Flying Squirrel

Flying squirrels are small, weighing only 2 to 3.5 ounces, much smaller than Arkansas tree squirrels. Their most distinctive feature is the gliding membrane stretching between front and hind legs. When at rest on trees, this membrane is invisible. Fur ranges from reddish-brown to grayish-brown on the back and white or cream-colored on the belly. Large, dark eyes adapted for night vision are positioned toward the front of the head, unlike tree squirrels with side-positioned eyes. Ears are small and rounded. Tails are bushy and slightly flattened, aiding balance and steering during glides. Adults measure about 8 to 10 inches from head to rear, with tails adding 7 to 9 inches. Southern flying squirrels make distinctive high-pitched chirps and chattering vocalizations. Clear identification requires nocturnal observation as they are strictly active after dark. Their small size and gliding ability distinguish them from Arkansas tree squirrels. Seeing one clearly requires patience and night searching in appropriate forests with flashlight.

Where Sightings Concentrate

Flying squirrel sightings in Arkansas concentrate in specific habitat types and regions. The Ouachita National Forest, particularly in areas with mature oak and hickory forests, supports excellent populations accessible to observers. Buffalo National River region forests, especially the higher elevation hardwood stands, harbor abundant flying squirrels. The Ozark National Forest and various Ozark state parks, including Devil's Eyebrow and War Eagle Creek areas, have documented populations. Forested regions around Fayetteville and Bentonville in northwestern Arkansas support populations in suburban and natural forest edges. Riparian forests along major river systems including the White River, Caddo River, and Buffalo River support populations. Areas with large, cavity-bearing oak and hickory trees are most likely to host flying squirrels. Old-growth forest stands and protected woodlots with complex structure provide optimal habitat. State Wildlife Management Areas across Arkansas harbor populations accessible to interested observers. Nighttime exploration of mature hardwood forests offers the best chance of encountering flying squirrels. Most sightings require deliberate nighttime searching with appropriate techniques and timing. UnderstandingArkansas forest habitatshelps locate optimal observation areas.

Typical Behavior

Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, remaining hidden in tree cavity nests during daylight hours. At night, they emerge to forage through the canopy with remarkable agility and speed. Their gliding ability allows traversing large distances between trees silently and efficiently. Diet consists primarily of nuts, seeds, fungi, insects, and occasionally fruits. Fall foraging focuses on gathering acorns and hickory nuts, storing them in multiple scattered caches throughout their home range. Females typically give birth to litters of two to four young in spring, born in cavity nests high in large trees. Young remain dependent for two to three months before dispersing in late summer. Flying squirrels are generally solitary except during breeding season and in winter when they sometimes share nests for warmth. They communicate through vocalizations and scent marking. Home ranges typically span several acres with some overlap between individuals. During cold winter nights, flying squirrels remain sheltered in their nests, relying on fall caches. Communal nesting in winter helps conserve body heat. Young flying squirrels disperse in late summer, traveling through the forest to establish new territories away from maternal areas.

Coexistence and Safety

Flying squirrels are completely harmless to humans and pose no threat to people or property. They are protected under Arkansas wildlife laws, making it illegal to trap or harm them without special permits. These nocturnal animals rarely interact with humans because they are active only at night and remain in forested areas. Residential areas with mature forest patches nearby may occasionally host flying squirrels. Having flying squirrels on your property indicates good forest habitat and ecosystem health. Flying squirrels do not cause property damage and do not enter buildings or create nuisance issues. They are not aggressive and actively avoid human contact. Flying squirrels play important ecological roles as seed dispersers and by consuming insects and fungi. Their presence indicates that cavity-bearing trees and forest structure remain intact. Wildlife managers recognize flying squirrels as valuable members of forest ecosystems. Protecting mature forests and maintaining cavity-bearing trees benefits flying squirrels and many other species. Education about flying squirrels builds public appreciation for Arkansas's nocturnal wildlife and forest ecosystems. ExploreArkansas wildlifeto learn about conservation.

Common Species Confusion

Flying squirrels could potentially be confused with other small mammals, though encounters are uncommon. Juvenile eastern gray squirrels are much smaller than adults but are active during daytime and lack the gliding membrane. Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal while gray squirrels are diurnal. Fox squirrels are larger and active during daytime. The diagnostic feature of flying squirrels is their gliding membrane, visible when the animal is mid-glide or examined closely. Other small Arkansas squirrels, such as ground squirrels and fox squirrels, are ground-dwelling or daytime-active and lack gliding ability. Mice and rats are much smaller and lack the bushy tail and large eyes of flying squirrels. Opossums are active at night and climb trees but are much larger, lack gliding membranes, and have distinctive pointed faces. If you see a small, furry animal gliding silently between trees at night in an Arkansas forest, you have almost certainly seen a flying squirrel. Its combination of small size, nocturnal habits, and gliding ability make it distinctive. For more information about identifying Arkansas animals, visit theArkansas wildlife guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are flying squirrels in Arkansas? Southern flying squirrels are present throughout most of Arkansas in suitable forested habitats and are considered common in areas with large cavity-bearing trees. Most Arkansans have never seen one because of their strictly nocturnal habits and preference for tree canopies.

What should I do if I see a flying squirrel? Observe from a distance and enjoy the sighting. Take photos if possible and consider reporting observations to local wildlife agencies. Flying squirrels are not dangerous and do not need to be trapped or removed.

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

Are flying squirrels endangered in Arkansas? Southern flying squirrels are not listed as endangered in Arkansas. However, forest loss and removal of large cavity-bearing trees threaten populations. Protecting mature forests and natural forest structure ensures flying squirrel survival. Learn more aboutArkansas forest conservation.