Are There Flying Squirrels in New York?
Eastern flying squirrels thrive throughout New York's forests, from the Adirondacks to Catskills and Hudson River Valley. These small nocturnal gliders inhabit woodlands wherever mature trees with cavities exist. Sightings remain uncommon only because they're strictly nocturnal and most active after dark.
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
- 777
- GBIF records
Yes, flying squirrels are in New York. Next you'll want:
Eastern flying squirrels thrive throughout New York's forests, from the Adirondacks to Catskills and Hudson River Valley. These small nocturnal gliders inhabit woodlands wherever mature trees with cavities exist. Sightings remain uncommon only because they're strictly nocturnal and most active after dark.
Where Flying Squirrels Are Found in New York
Eastern flying squirrels occur statewide throughout New York's forested regions, making them one of the state's most widespread but least-seen mammals. The Adirondack Mountains and surrounding forests host strong populations. The Catskill region provides excellent habitat with diverse woodlands and mature trees. The Hudson River Valley supports populations in both lowland and upland forests. Central New York's mixed deciduous forests throughout the Finger Lakes region harbor flying squirrels. Western New York forests along the Great Lakes provide suitable habitat. Even Long Island contains populations in remaining patches of mature woodland. Northern forests near the Canadian border maintain healthy colonies. Eastern flying squirrels prefer mixed oak and hickory forests combined with coniferous stands. Learn more about flying squirrels through ourNew York wildlife guide. The state's diverse forest types provide varied food sources and nesting opportunities. Population density varies with habitat quality, but flying squirrels occupy most of the state's suitable woodlands. Their presence reflects healthy, mature forest ecosystems across New York's landscape. For more on flying squirrel in New York, see ourNew York flying squirrel guide.
Season and Activity Patterns
Eastern flying squirrels in New York are active year-round without entering hibernation. Their activity peaks during spring breeding season and again in fall during the intensive food caching period. Early evening represents their primary active time, with most activity occurring from dusk through midnight. Summer's long daylight hours reduce their overall activity periods compared to spring and fall. Winter activity continues steadily as they live on cached nuts and seeds. Mild winter nights see increased foraging compared to extremely cold nights. Spring brings heightened male activity as they search for mates. Fall represents the busiest season with frantic food gathering and caching. Weather conditions heavily influence activity levels, with wind and rain suppressing movement. Overcast days occasionally see daytime activity compared to completely nocturnal behavior on clear days. Temperature doesn't influence activity as dramatically as darkness and food availability. New York's seasonal progression creates predictable patterns in flying squirrel activity that residents can track through indirect evidence and observation of nest activity. You can also browseNew York wildlife.
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Eastern flying squirrels measure eight to nine inches long including their bushy tail. Their defining feature is the patagium, a fold of loose skin stretching from wrist to ankle. This membrane lies flat along their bodies when resting, making it nearly invisible. When extended during gliding flight, the patagium creates a wing-like surface providing lift and control. Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown to gray on the back with pure white underparts. Males and females appear similar externally, though breeding females show enlarged nipples. Their eyes are large and dark, perfectly adapted for nocturnal vision. Ears are small and rounded. The tail appears flattened and helps with steering during glides. Sharp curved claws provide excellent grip on bark. The patagium's pale underside contrasts with their darker backs, a useful field mark in silhouette. Their small size distinguishes them from regular squirrels, which are substantially larger. The distinctive body proportions and gliding membrane create certain identification when observed clearly. The combination of size, eye position, and membrane structure provides easy positive identification. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New York
Flying squirrel sightings concentrate in mature forests with abundant cavity trees and diverse canopy structure. The Adirondack region produces the most regular observations and most strong populations. The Catskill Mountains provide reliable habitat with extensive old-growth forest patches. Hudson River Valley forests, particularly the steep slopes with mature woodland, host active populations. Central New York's mature forests around lakes and state parks concentrate populations. Western New York hardwood forests near the Pennsylvania border support established colonies. State parks including Harriman, Bear Mountain, and Allegany provide excellent habitat. Locations near large snags and dead trees showing nest cavities represent ideal habitat. Mixed age-class forests with both mature and younger growth provide optimal conditions. Sightings are more frequent in areas with minimal human disturbance and intact forest canopy. Dawn and dusk hours near forest edges sometimes produce sightings. Spring and fall offer the best seasonal windows for finding evidence of activity. Well-maintained woodlands with standing dead trees harbor more active populations than logged or cleared areas. OurNew York wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Behavior and Diet
Eastern flying squirrels are highly social, nocturnal rodents that often nest communally during winter for warmth and protection. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, berries, fungi, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Oak acorns and hickory nuts constitute major seasonal food sources throughout New York. They actively forage for fungi, which they consume and help disperse. Insects and insect larvae provide crucial protein sources. They sometimes cache food in tree cavities, creating pantries they access throughout winter. Fall caching behavior reaches obsessive levels with flying squirrels creating numerous small storage sites. Gliding between trees with remarkable control, flying squirrels can cover more than a hundred feet in a single glide. Their tail functions as a rudder and brake, allowing steering and safe landings. They always approach landing trees from below, a behavior preventing falls if lift fails. Social hierarchies exist within groups, with dominant individuals claiming preferred nesting sites. Winter aggregations can include up to a dozen individuals sharing body warmth. Their foraging activities help control insect populations and disperse seeds and fungi throughout forests. Read more aboutflying squirrel in New York.
Coexistence and Legal Protections
Eastern flying squirrels are fully protected as New York wildlife with no legal harvest seasons. They play important ecological roles in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers and food sources for predators. Their presence indicates healthy, mature forest habitat with diverse plant areas. They contribute substantially to forest regeneration through their caching and feeding activities. Barred owls, great horned owls, weasels, and snakes hunt flying squirrels regularly. Their role in the predator diet supports entire food webs. Homeowners in forested New York occasionally encounter flying squirrels in attics or walls. One-way door exclusion and sealing entry points resolve conflicts humanely and effectively. Lethal control methods are never appropriate for these native protected rodents. Visit ourNew York wildlife guideto learn more about coexistence. Understanding their ecological importance fosters appreciation and habitat protection support. Learning aboutflying squirrelshelps residents understand forest ecosystem function and value. Their presence benefits everyone by maintaining healthy, functioning forests. Browsewildlife in New Yorkfor related pages.
Species People Confuse With Flying Squirrels
Eastern flying squirrels might be confused with other small tree-dwelling New York animals, though their patagium makes them distinctive. Regular gray squirrels are much larger and lack the gliding membrane. Red squirrels are smaller and lack the patagium entirely. Flying squirrels are the only gliding mammals in New York. Chipmunks are smaller and primarily ground-dwelling. Nighttime observers might mistake flying squirrel silhouettes for bats or small birds, particularly during silhouetted glides. However, bats display completely different flight mechanics with rapid wing movements. Flying squirrel glides follow predictable parabolic paths quite different from erratic bat flight. Small nocturnal rodents like deer mice lack the distinctive patagium and have entirely different body proportions. Flying squirrels are relatively easy to identify once you understand their defining gliding membrane. The patagium, even partially visible, provides certain identification. Young flying squirrels retain the characteristic proportions and membrane structure of adults. People who observe one clearly rarely mistake it for anything else due to the distinctive silhouette and gliding behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are flying squirrels common throughout New York? A: Yes, they occur statewide wherever suitable habitat exists, though their nocturnal nature makes them rarely seen. Q: What do flying squirrels eat? A: They consume nuts, seeds, berries, fungi, insects, and occasionally bird eggs. Q: Do flying squirrels make sounds? A: They produce clicking sounds, soft chirps, and chatters when communicating. Q: When can I see flying squirrels? A: They're most active just after dark and before dawn, making direct observation difficult. For more detailed information, visit ourflying squirrel guideor explore our comprehensivewildlife guide.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in New York
777 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in New York, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Fire Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- National Parks of New York Harbor · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see flying squirrel
More wildlife in New York