Are There Flying Squirrels in North Dakota?
Northern flying squirrels are not established in North Dakota. The state's forests are too sparse and fragmented for these nocturnal tree-dwellers to maintain populations here. If you're curious about flying squirrels, the closest populations live in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin forests, just across the border.
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 North Dakota. Next you'll want:
Northern flying squirrels are not established in North Dakota. The state's forests are too sparse and fragmented for these nocturnal tree-dwellers to maintain populations here. If you're curious about flying squirrels, the closest populations live in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin forests, just across the border.
Where Flying Squirrels Live in North Dakota
Flying squirrels do not have permanent populations in North Dakota. The state lacks the dense, mature forest habitat these animals require. North Dakota consists mainly of prairie, grassland, and scattered woodlands. Any northern flying squirrels occasionally seen near the Minnesota border would be transient visitors, not residents. The Ardoch Boreal Forest in northeastern Minnesota, just east of North Dakota, represents the closest suitable habitat. The state's largest continuous forests appear in the northeast near Crosby and along the Pembina River valley, but these remain too isolated and degraded for flying squirrel establishment. Visitwildlife resources for North Dakotato learn about animals that do live here.
Seasonal Patterns and Presence
Since flying squirrels do not live in North Dakota, there are no seasonal patterns to observe within the state. However, understanding flying squirrel seasonality helps explain why they cannot survive here. Northern flying squirrels require year-round access to dense conifer and mixed forests that remain connected across large landscapes. North Dakota winters are extremely harsh, and the state's forest fragments cannot provide the shelter or food sources these animals need. Spring through fall sees northern populations more active and visible, but North Dakota's limited woodlands remain unsuitable regardless of season. Interested in nocturnal animals that do inhabit the state? Explore theNorth Dakota wildlife hubfor species adapted to prairie environments.
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are small and nocturnal, making them rarely observed even where they are common. Northern flying squirrels measure 8 to 10 inches in body length with a flattened tail used for balance during glides. Their fur is soft and gray to gray-brown on the back, with white underparts. The most distinctive feature is the patagium, a furred membrane stretching between front and hind legs that expands when the animal launches from trees, enabling glides of up to 150 feet. Their large black eyes are adapted for night vision. Flying squirrels have small, rounded ears and a thin face compared to other tree squirrels. Their call is a high-pitched chirp or clicking sound rarely heard by humans. When stationary on a tree trunk, they resemble other squirrels until they move. For more on flying squirrel in North Dakota, see ourNorth Dakota flying squirrel guide.
Habitat Where Flying Squirrels Concentrate
Although absent from North Dakota, flying squirrels concentrate in specific forest types where they do exist. Northern flying squirrels require old-growth or mature mixed conifer-hardwood forests with high canopy closure and abundant dead wood for nesting cavities. They prefer forests where spruce, fir, and pine mix with aspen and birch. In the Upper Midwest, these forests occur in Minnesota and Wisconsin's northern regions, particularly around areas like the Superior National Forest. Flying squirrels need landscape-level forest connectivity, not isolated woodlots, to maintain viable populations. North Dakota's forest fragments, including those in the Badlands and northwest counties, lack both the density and connectivity that flying squirrels require. This explains the species' absence from the state. You can also browseNorth Dakota wildlife.
Typical Flying Squirrel Behavior
Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal and spend daylight hours in tree cavities or leaf nests built in branches. At dusk, they emerge to forage, using their acute night vision and sensitive whiskers to navigate. These animals are omnivorous, eating seeds from conifers, insects, fungi, and bird eggs. They cache food in autumn to sustain them through winter. Flying squirrels are social and may nest communally during cold months, huddling together for warmth. Mating occurs in spring, and females raise one or two litters annually. Their gliding ability developed through thousands of years of evolution in forested environments. They are active year-round and do not hibernate. In North Dakota, no such behavior occurs because the species does not inhabit the state.
Coexistence and Safety
Since flying squirrels do not live in North Dakota, there are no coexistence concerns or safety issues related to this species. However, if you travel to northern Minnesota or Wisconsin and encounter flying squirrels, know that they are harmless to humans. They are shy and avoid contact with people. Flying squirrels are protected under state wildlife laws wherever they occur, and it is illegal to trap or harm them. Their nocturnal nature means you are unlikely to encounter them even in their native habitat unless you specifically search for them at night. In North Dakota, the absence of flying squirrels reflects broader ecosystem differences between the state's prairie heritage and the boreal forests of the Upper Midwest. To learn about nocturnal mammals that do live in North Dakota, visit theNorth Dakota wildlife guide.
Species Similar to Flying Squirrels
Although flying squirrels do not inhabit North Dakota, understanding similar species helps clarify why. Eastern and northern flying squirrels might be confused with other tree squirrels if seen in regions where they do live. Fox squirrels, gray squirrels, and red squirrels are larger and lack the patagium membrane, so they cannot glide. Red squirrels are smaller than flying squirrels but remain arboreal and diurnal. Fox squirrels are the largest North American tree squirrel and are common in parts of North Dakota and throughout the eastern states. The key difference is the presence of the gliding membrane, present only in Glaucomys species. Nocturnal flying squirrels are active when other squirrels rest. In North Dakota, you might see diurnal fox and red squirrels, but nocturnal flying squirrels remain absent due to unsuitable forest habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I ever see a flying squirrel in North Dakota? A: No. Flying squirrels are not established in North Dakota, and the state's habitat is unsuitable for them. The closest populations are in northeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Q: Are flying squirrels dangerous to pets or homes? A: Flying squirrels are not present in North Dakota, so this is not a concern. In states where they live, they rarely enter homes and pose no threat. Q: What is the difference between northern and eastern flying squirrels? A: Northern flying squirrels are larger and inhabit boreal forests in the northern states and Canada. Eastern flying squirrels are smaller and live in eastern hardwood forests. Neither species occurs in North Dakota. Q: Where can I learn more about flying squirrels? A: Visit thewildlife resource hubto explore animals that actually inhabit North Dakota and the broader wildlife area of the Great Plains.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in North Dakota
41 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2025. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels
More places to see flying squirrel
More wildlife in North Dakota