Are There Flying Squirrels in Idaho?
Yes, flying squirrels live in Idaho, but only in the northern panhandle region. The Northern Flying Squirrel inhabits coniferous and mixed forests in northern Bonner and Kootenai counties. These small nocturnal gliders are found in spruce-fir and pine-dominated forests at higher elevations. Flying squirrels are essentially absent from central and southern Idaho where forests lack suitable habitat.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel · Evan M. Raskin CC BY
Southern Flying Squirrel · Hila Taylor CC BY
Southern Flying Squirrel · Nik Hughes CC BY
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- GBIF records
Yes, flying squirrels are in Idaho. Next you'll want:
Yes, flying squirrels live in Idaho, but only in the northern panhandle region. The Northern Flying Squirrel inhabits coniferous and mixed forests in northern Bonner and Kootenai counties. These small nocturnal gliders are found in spruce-fir and pine-dominated forests at higher elevations. Flying squirrels are essentially absent from central and southern Idaho where forests lack suitable habitat.
Where Flying Squirrels Are Found in Idaho
Flying squirrels in Idaho are restricted to the far northern panhandle, primarily in Bonner and Kootenai counties near the Montana and Canadian borders. The Coeur d'Alene National Forest provides the stronghold for Idaho's flying squirrel populations. Dense coniferous forests along the Pend Oreille River drainage support populations in some of Idaho's most remote terrain. The St. Joe National Forest contains scattered flying squirrel colonies in its higher elevation stands. Flying squirrels inhabit cool, moist forests with significant conifer cover, typically at elevations above three thousand feet. The presence of spruce, fir, and pine trees is essential for their survival and food acquisition. Forests near the Priest River area in northern Bonner County contain populations. The Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem in extreme northwestern Idaho and neighboring Montana provides suitable habitat. Flying squirrels are completely absent from central Idaho's mountain ranges, including the Sawtooth and Frank Church ranges. Southern Idaho's drier forests lack the moisture and specific tree composition these creatures need. The lower elevation valleys of central and southern Idaho provide unsuitable habitat. Northern Idaho's proximity to British Columbia and the larger Northern Flying Squirrel range in the Pacific Northwest is significant. Visit ourIdaho wildlife guideto learn about other forest mammals.
Season and Activity in Idaho
Flying squirrels in Idaho are active year-round, though their activity patterns differ substantially from Eastern Flying Squirrel populations in warmer regions. Winter is their most challenging season, as Northern Flying Squirrels face intense cold and deep snow accumulation in the panhandle. Fall activity reaches peak levels as they gather conifer seeds and prepare food caches for winter survival. Late August through October sees frantic caching behavior as they stockpile seeds from spruce cones and pine cones. Winter months bring reduced activity and heavy reliance on cached food stores. Severe cold often confines them to their dens for extended periods. Spring mating begins in March as temperatures moderate and daylight increases. First litters appear in May and June, with young becoming independent by late summer. A second breeding cycle may occur in late summer, with late-born young often failing to survive the next winter. Short Idaho summers mean flying squirrels have limited time for foraging, growth, and preparation. The Pacific Northwest's snowy winters are far harsher than conditions in lower-latitude flying squirrel populations. Most foraging occurs during the brief night hours between dusk and dawn. Peak activity times are fall and early winter when food caching urgency is greatest. For more on flying squirrel in Idaho, see ourIdaho flying squirrel guide.
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are among Idaho's tiniest tree-dwelling mammals, weighing just two to three ounces and measuring seven to nine inches in body length. Northern Flying Squirrels are slightly larger than their Eastern Flying Squirrel cousins. Their most distinctive feature is the patagium, a loose membrane of skin extending between front and hind legs, used for gliding flight. When resting on tree trunks, this membrane is barely visible and they appear similar to small regular squirrels. Their eyes are notably large and dark, perfectly adapted for night vision in dim forest conditions. Fur color ranges from gray to gray-brown on the back, with white underparts and a white-fringed tail. The gliding membrane's underside is also white, creating dramatic appearance during glides. Their tail is flattened and edged with hair, serving as rudder and balance during flight. Small, rounded ears are less prominent than those of gray squirrels. Their calls consist of high-pitched chirps and twittering sounds, much quieter than squirrels' daytime vocalizations. Males and females look essentially identical externally, though females average slightly larger than males. You can also browseIdaho wildlife.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Idaho
Flying squirrel sightings in Idaho concentrate exclusively in the northern panhandle region with suitable habitat. The Coeur d'Alene National Forest, particularly its old-growth stands, offers the best opportunities for observations. Forests surrounding Priest Lake area in northwestern Bonner County contain established populations. The ponderosa pine and fir forests around Kootenai River drainage harbor flying squirrels. St. Joe National Forest areas with dense conifer coverage support populations, particularly in drainages with northern exposure. The complex topography of the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem provides concentration points for sightings. High elevation forests near Scotchman Peak area have historically supported populations. Forests with large Douglas-fir, spruce, and pine trees offering abundant cavities are most productive. Mixed conifer stands with old-growth characteristics provide both nesting sites and productive food sources. These areas typically occur at elevations of thirty-five hundred to seven thousand feet. Sightings require accessing remote forest areas during nighttime hours when flying squirrels are active. Winter travel to these areas can be challenging due to snow conditions. Biologists and researchers studying flying squirrels conduct most observations in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.
Typical Behavior and Diet
Flying squirrels in Idaho are strictly nocturnal, spending daylight hours inside hollow trees or in constructed leafy nests high in the conifer canopy. They emerge at dusk and conduct nearly all activity during darkness, remaining completely invisible to casual observers. Gliding is their primary mode of travel between trees, allowing efficient movement through dense conifer forests while minimizing exposure to predators. Northern Flying Squirrels in Idaho depend heavily on conifer seeds, particularly from spruce and pine cones. They actively forage for seeds from Douglas-fir, western larch, and western hemlock. In fall, they exhibit intense caching behavior, burying thousands of seeds in crevices and under bark for winter use. Fungi consumption, particularly truffles and lichen, supplements their diet. They hunt insects including moth larvae and beetle grubs during summer months. Winter survival depends almost entirely on access to cached seed stores. They're highly social and often share winter dens with family members, huddling together for warmth during severe cold. Idaho's harsh winters create strong selective pressure for successful food caching and denning behaviors. Territory sizes are small but may shift seasonally. Flying squirrels' survival depends on cone production, which varies annually based on tree health and climate.
Coexistence and Legal Protections
Flying squirrels are protected wildlife in Idaho and cannot be trapped, hunted, or kept without permits from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. These shy creatures actively avoid human contact and pose no threat to people or property. If you encounter a flying squirrel in an unusual location, simply observe quietly and allow it to leave unmolested. Flying squirrels do not carry rabies at higher rates than other wildlife. They pose virtually no disease transmission risk to humans. Idaho's remote northern forests provide ample habitat, and flying squirrels rarely enter residential areas. If a flying squirrel somehow enters a building, contact a wildlife professional for humane removal and exclusion repair. Flying squirrels benefit forest ecosystems by dispersing fungi and seeds during foraging. Protecting flying squirrel populations means maintaining old-growth conifer forests with cavity-bearing trees. Dead snags provide critical nesting and denning sites. Forest continuity between habitat patches is essential for population movement and genetic diversity. Idaho's wildlife management encourages preservation of mature forest characteristics in the panhandle. Reporting sightings to Idaho's Department of Fish and Game helps biologists understand population status. Learn more about protectingIdaho's flying squirrel populations.
Species People Confuse with Flying Squirrels
The Eastern Gray Squirrel does not occur in Idaho, so confusion is minimal with actual squirrels. The Idaho Ground Squirrel is much smaller and lacks gliding membranes. Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel has distinctive stripes and is terrestrial. Red Squirrels are common in Idaho forests but are smaller than gray squirrels and completely lack gliding abilities. They have tufted ears and reddish coloring, distinguishing them from flying squirrels. American Marten, an arboreal weasel, occasionally causes confusion but is much larger and moves differently through the canopy. Tree-dwelling mice like the Northern Red-backed Mouse are tiny and lack gliding membranes. Bushy-tailed Wood Rats are larger than flying squirrels and build stick nests rather than inhabit cavities. Northern Raccoons are occasionally encountered in trees but are much larger and have dark facial masks. Deer mice and voles are ground-dwelling and much smaller. Flying squirrels are uniquely identified by their gliding membrane, which no other Idaho mammal possesses. UnderstandingIdaho's forest wildlifehelps distinguish these species accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are flying squirrels only found in northern Idaho? Central and southern Idaho's forests lack the moisture, elevation, conifer density, and cone production that Northern Flying Squirrels require; drier climates support different forest types. Q: Can flying squirrels actually fly or just glide? They glide using their patagium to slow descent and control direction, achieving distances up to 150 feet, but cannot generate upward thrust like birds. Q: What are flying squirrels' main threats in Idaho? Loss of old-growth forest habitat, fragmentation of forest patches, and occasional severe winters with poor cone crops threaten survival. Q: How can I safely encounter a flying squirrel in Idaho? Visit pristine Coeur d'Alene National Forest at night with red flashlight to avoid disrupting their vision; look for movement high in tree canopies. ExploreIdaho's northern flying squirrel habitatthrough our conservation resources.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in Idaho
221 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in Idaho, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Idaho
- City Of Rocks National Reserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
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