Are There Flying Squirrels in Montana?
Northern flying squirrels live in Montana's northwestern and northern forests, particularly in coniferous woodlands of the Flathead and Kootenai regions. You might encounter one gliding between ponderosa pines or Douglas-firs in western valleys, though sightings are uncommon because they're entirely nocturnal. This guide explains where to find them and how to identify these small rodents.
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
- 178
- GBIF records
Yes, flying squirrels are in Montana. Next you'll want:
Northern flying squirrels live in Montana's northwestern and northern forests, particularly in coniferous woodlands of the Flathead and Kootenai regions. You might encounter one gliding between ponderosa pines or Douglas-firs in western valleys, though sightings are uncommon because they're entirely nocturnal. This guide explains where to find them and how to identify these small rodents.
Where Flying Squirrels Are Found in Montana
Northern flying squirrels inhabit Montana's forested regions, especially the northwestern parts of the state. The Flathead National Forest, Mission Mountains, and Kootenai National Forest provide ideal habitat with dense coniferous stands. These squirrels also occur in the Bitterroot Range and surrounding valleys near Missoula and Kalispell. They prefer spruce, fir, and pine forests at mid to high elevations where old-growth trees provide the mature canopy they need. The western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, from the Canadian border south toward central Montana, represent the core of their range. Their presence in the state remains localized to these mountainous forested zones. While they range across much of the northern tier, human encounters are rare because their distribution remains patchy. Learn more about otherflying squirrelhabitats across the state by visiting ourMontana wildlife guide. For more on flying squirrel in Montana, see ourMontana flying squirrel guide.
Season and Activity Patterns
Northern flying squirrels in Montana are active year-round, though their activity peaks during spring and fall. Winter doesn't force them into hibernation like true hibernators. Instead, they remain active throughout the season, relying on cached pine seeds and nuts to sustain themselves. You're most likely to spot evidence of their presence in autumn when they actively gather food. Spring brings renewed activity as they establish nesting sites and prepare for breeding. The longest daylight hours of summer actually make sightings less likely since these creatures are strictly nocturnal and most active in darkness. Early evening and late night hours offer the best window for observing them. Their activity level depends heavily on food availability and weather conditions. On mild winter nights, they may venture out to forage, moving through the trees with remarkable agility. You can also browseMontana wildlife.
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Northern flying squirrels are small rodents measuring only eight to ten inches long, including a bushy tail. Their most distinctive feature is the loose fold of skin called a patagium that stretches between their front and hind legs. When extended during a glide, this membrane allows them to navigate between trees with surprising control. Their fur is soft and brown to gray on the back, with white undersides. Unlike many squirrels, they have large, dark eyes adapted for nocturnal vision. Their ears are small and rounded. Males and females look similar, though females may appear slightly larger during breeding season. Their claws are sharp and curved for gripping bark. The tail is flattened and helps with steering during glides. Seeing one up close is unusual in Montana because their nocturnal habits keep them hidden during most human activity hours. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Where Sightings Concentrate
Flying squirrel sightings in Montana concentrate in mature forest patches with large cavities and dense canopy cover. The Flathead National Forest, particularly areas around the Mission Valley, hosts established populations. Mixed coniferous forests near Missoula and the lower Bitterroot Valley occasionally report sightings. Remote sections of the Kootenai National Forest and northern portions of the Lolo National Forest support populations where old-growth forests remain intact. Sightings are most frequent near snags and dead trees that provide nesting cavities. Spruce-fir zones at higher elevations often harbor more individuals than lower elevation ponderosa pine forests. Areas with minimal human disturbance tend to have healthier populations. Dawn and dusk hours near forest edges sometimes produce sightings, especially in spring. Most Montana residents will never encounter a flying squirrel in the wild, reflecting their genuine rarity in human-populated areas and their strict nocturnal schedule. OurMontana wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Behavior and Habitat Needs
Northern flying squirrels are social creatures that sometimes share nests during winter for warmth and protection. They feed primarily on pine seeds, spruce seeds, fungi, and insects. Unlike some squirrel species, they actively hunt for insects and will eat birds' eggs if available. Their gliding ability allows them to move efficiently between trees, sometimes covering distances of over a hundred feet in a single glide. They land high on tree trunks and run upward to gain height before launching again. These squirrels depend heavily on cavities in mature or dead trees for nesting and shelter. They line their nests with shredded bark and feathers. Social hierarchies exist within populations, with dominant individuals claiming preferred nesting sites. Their nocturnal nature helps them avoid diurnal predators but makes them vulnerable to owls. Population densities remain low across Montana, with individuals dispersed across large territories within suitable forest. Read more aboutflying squirrel in Montana.
Coexistence and Legal Protection
Flying squirrels are protected in Montana as native wildlife, though they remain common enough to not be listed as threatened or endangered. Their protection is standard for most native rodents, meaning they cannot be legally trapped or harmed without special permits. The state recognizes their ecological role in forest ecosystems. They provide food for owls, weasels, and other predators. Their seed dispersal activities contribute to forest regeneration, particularly with fungi they consume and spread. Homes in forested areas of western Montana might occasionally have flying squirrels in attics or walls, though this is uncommon. Exclusion methods such as sealing entry points work without harm. Their presence actually indicates healthy mature forest, a sign that the ecosystem remains intact. No realistic conflict exists between humans and flying squirrels in Montana given their rarity and small population size. Learning aboutMontana wildlifehelps foster appreciation for forest ecosystems and the creatures within them. Browsewildlife in Montanafor related pages.
Species Confusion and Look-alikes
Northern flying squirrels might be confused with other small tree-dwelling rodents of Montana, though confusion is rare given their nocturnal habits. The most common mistake involves misidentifying them as regular squirrels like red squirrels or eastern fox squirrels, which do occur in parts of Montana. Red squirrels lack the patagium and are smaller. Fox squirrels are larger, lack the gliding membrane, and are not found in Montana's high elevation forests where flying squirrels thrive. Another possibility is confusion with nocturnal flying reptiles, though no flying snakes or lizards inhabit Montana. Some observers mistake flying squirrel glides for birds in flight. Chipmunks and deer mice might be confused with young flying squirrels at night, but their lack of the gliding membrane and different body proportions distinguish them. The distinctive patagium and gliding behavior make positive identification fairly straightforward once you understand what separates flying squirrels from other Montana rodents and small mammals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are flying squirrels common in Montana? A: No, they remain uncommon and localized to northwestern and northern forested regions, particularly in mature coniferous stands. Sightings are rare. Q: What do flying squirrels eat? A: They consume pine seeds, spruce seeds, fungi, berries, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Q: Do flying squirrels hibernate? A: No, they remain active year-round, relying on cached food and thick fur to survive winters. Q: Can flying squirrels be legally kept as pets in Montana? A: No, Montana law protects native flying squirrels and does not permit possession without special permits. Visiting ourwildlife guideandMontana wildlife hubprovides more information about forest creatures.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in Montana
178 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in Montana, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site · 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
More places to see flying squirrel
More wildlife in Montana