Are There Flying Squirrels in Maryland?

Where Flying Squirrels Are Found in Maryland

Flying squirrels inhabit forests throughout Maryland, with populations confirmed from the Atlantic coastal plain inland to the Appalachian region. The Western Maryland highlands, particularly around Garrett County, support healthy populations in mixed oak and hickory forests. The Patuxent River valley and surrounding bottomland forests in central Maryland host numerous squirrels. The Chesapeake Bay region and its tributaries contain suitable habitat, including the forests along the Potomac River. Suburban and urban areas with large, mature trees also support flying squirrels, particularly in areas around Baltimore and the northern Baltimore County. These adaptable animals thrive in woodlands with cavity trees and dense canopy structure. The Eastern Shore and southern Maryland forests provide suitable habitat, though populations vary by specific location. Most sightings occur near wooded areas with old growth or mature planted forests that contain suitable den trees. For more on flying squirrel in Maryland, see ourMaryland flying squirrel guide.

Season and Timing in Maryland

Flying squirrels in Maryland are active year-round, with activity patterns shifting seasonally. Winter is often the best time to detect them, as snow on roofs makes their tracks visible. The mating season occurs in early spring, with some activity observable in fall and early winter. Breeding females produce litters between March and July, with young dispersing by late summer. Fall represents peak activity as squirrels prepare food caches and seek winter dens. Winter dormancy is not true hibernation, so they remain active during mild spells and feed on cached seeds. Night is when they are most active for feeding and traveling between dens. Maryland's mild winters mean that flying squirrels can find suitable conditions throughout the year. Temperature changes, particularly cold snaps followed by mild weather, trigger increased activity. You can also browseMaryland wildlife.

How to Identify Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels are one of Maryland's smallest tree squirrels, weighing just 2 to 3 ounces. Their most distinctive feature is the furry membrane of skin that stretches between their front and rear legs, visible only when they glide. The tail is flat and fluffy, serving as a rudder and brake during flight. Their fur is soft, cinnamon-brown on the back and white on the underside. The eyes are very large and forward-facing, an adaptation for their nocturnal lifestyle. Unlike gray squirrels, they are completely silent and move with quick, jerky motions. Their ears are small and rounded, and they lack the ear tufts of some other squirrels. When perched, they crouch close to the tree rather than sitting upright like daytime squirrels. Only direct observation will confirm identification, as the gliding membrane cannot be seen when they are at rest. See all of ourwildlife guides.

Where Sightings Concentrate in Maryland

Flying squirrel sightings in Maryland concentrate in mature, deciduous and mixed forests with large den trees. The forests along the Patuxent River, particularly in its middle reaches, support observable populations. Garrett County's Savage River State Forest and Youghiogheny River Gorge provide ideal habitat with old growth forest. The Appalachian region of Washington and Frederick counties contains suitable woodlands. State forests throughout the ridge and valley province offer consistent habitat. Private woodlots with mature oak, hickory, and beech trees often harbor squirrels. Parks and green spaces in Baltimore County and Howard County can support small populations despite urban proximity. The Chesapeake Bay's forested tributaries, including areas near the Potomac River, provide habitat corridors. Suburban zones with established trees and forest edges frequently host gliders, though they remain hidden. OurMaryland wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.

Typical Behavior of Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels are almost exclusively nocturnal, making daytime observation extremely rare. They spend daylight hours in tree cavities, woodpecker holes, or nest structures they construct from leaves and bark. At dusk, they emerge to feed on seeds, acorns, nuts, and insects. Their diet shifts seasonally, favoring hickory nuts in fall and fungi in spring and summer. They create food caches throughout fall and winter, returning to retrieve them during cold months. Gliding is their primary means of travel, achieved by jumping from tall trees and spreading their legs to extend the flight membrane. A single glide can cover 50 feet or more horizontally with minimal altitude loss. They are highly social during breeding season but generally solitary or in small family groups otherwise. Vocalizations include chirps and high-pitched sounds, though they are far less vocal than daytime squirrels. Read more aboutflying squirrel in Maryland.

Coexistence and Safety Notes

Flying squirrels pose no threat to people and are protected by Maryland wildlife laws. They do not transmit rabies in any documented cases and are far too small to bite defensively. These animals are fragile and will avoid human contact whenever possible. No special precautions are needed for outdoor activities in areas where flying squirrels occur. They are occasionally found in attics or walls but do not damage structures like raccoons or squirrels do. If one enters a building, opening a door or window typically allows it to escape voluntarily. Removing a trapped squirrel should be done gently, as their small bones are delicate. Protecting mature trees and maintaining connected forest habitat benefits flying squirrels throughout Maryland. Creating or preserving dead wood and snags provides essential den sites. Flying squirrels are an indicator of healthy, mature forest ecosystems in the state. Browsewildlife in Marylandfor related pages.

Species Confusion and Similar Animals

Flying squirrels are rarely confused with other Maryland animals due to their size and gliding ability. However, some misidentifications occur. Northern flying squirrels are extremely rare in Maryland and historically present only in the western mountains, but records are sparse. They are nearly identical to Southern Flying Squirrels and cannot be reliably distinguished without close observation. Sugar gliders, exotic pets that occasionally escape, are sometimes reported but are much smaller and not established. Bats, observed gliding at night, are never confused with flying squirrels once heard or seen clearly. Flying squirrel nests are sometimes mistaken for bird nests, but nest construction is distinctly different. The gliding membrane is the definitive field mark, though it is only visible during flight. No other Maryland mammal glides or has the combination of small size, furry ears, and tree-climbing ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see flying squirrels in Maryland? Nighttime searches in mature forest areas offer the best chance, though they remain elusive. Listen for their sudden movements or falling acorns. Visiting the wildlife areas along the Patuxent River or Savage River State Forest maximizes your opportunity.

Are flying squirrels endangered in Maryland? No, they are stable and found throughout the state. Population surveys suggest they remain common in suitable habitat across Maryland.

What should I do if one enters my home? Flying squirrels rarely enter homes intentionally. Open windows and doors to allow exit, or gently guide it outside using a broom or paper. They are harmless and will depart quickly.

Do flying squirrels hibernate? They do not true hibernate but remain active year-round, entering torpor during extreme cold. They wake periodically to eat stored food, which is why winter is a good time to spot tracks.