Are There Flying Squirrels in Oklahoma?
Yes, flying squirrels live in eastern and southeastern Oklahoma. Eastern flying squirrels inhabit the oak and hickory forests of the Ouachita Mountains and the eastern portion of the state. They are absent from the western plains and panhandle, where forests are too sparse. Look for them in the heavily wooded counties bordering Arkansas and Missouri.
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 Oklahoma. Next you'll want:
Yes, flying squirrels live in eastern and southeastern Oklahoma. Eastern flying squirrels inhabit the oak and hickory forests of the Ouachita Mountains and the eastern portion of the state. They are absent from the western plains and panhandle, where forests are too sparse. Look for them in the heavily wooded counties bordering Arkansas and Missouri.
Where Flying Squirrels Live in Oklahoma
Eastern flying squirrels are found in the forested regions of eastern and southeastern Oklahoma, primarily in counties bordering Arkansas. The Ouachita Mountains, particularly the public lands around the Ouachita National Forest, support healthy flying squirrel populations. McCurtain County in the far southeastern corner contains extensive suitable habitat with old-growth pine and hardwood forests. Pushmataha County forests south of the Kiamichi River also harbor populations. Around the Little River and throughout the southeastern hill country, flying squirrels occupy mixed oak-hickory woodlands. They do not occur in western Oklahoma's grasslands or panhandle shortgrass prairie. The transition from forest to prairie marks the species' western boundary within the state. For broader information about Oklahoma's wildlife, visit theOklahoma wildlife guide.
Seasonal Presence and Activity Patterns
Flying squirrels remain active year-round throughout eastern Oklahoma and do not hibernate, though winter activity decreases during harsh weather. Spring and early summer bring peak activity as breeding season progresses and young squirrels gain independence. Summer nights from May through August offer the best chance of nocturnal observation as temperatures warm and foraging increases. Fall activity intensifies as flying squirrels cache acorns and hickory nuts for winter survival. Oklahoma winters are mild compared to northern states, allowing flying squirrels continued access to food and den sites. Severe ice storms or rare extreme cold weather may restrict activity temporarily. Flying squirrels emerge at dusk and remain active through the night, making dawn and early evening the best observation times. Late spring and early fall offer ideal conditions for finding them in eastern Oklahoma forests. For more on flying squirrel in Oklahoma, see ourOklahoma flying squirrel guide.
How to Identify Flying Squirrels in Oklahoma
Eastern flying squirrels measure 8 to 10 inches in body length with a flattened tail used for balance during glides. Soft gray-brown fur covers the back, while the underside is white. The distinctive patagium, a furred membrane stretching between front and hind legs, expands during launching and enables glides of 60 to 100 feet. Large, prominent black eyes are adapted for excellent night vision. Small, rounded ears sit toward the back of the head. Thin whiskers provide sensory feedback during flight through branches. The face is delicate and narrow compared to other squirrels. Flying squirrels have sharp claws for gripping bark. Their high-pitched chirps and clicking vocalizations are distinctive but rarely heard. The gliding membrane remains the most reliable identification feature separating them from all other Oklahoma squirrels. You can also browseOklahoma wildlife.
Habitat Concentration in Oklahoma
Flying squirrels concentrate in mature oak and hickory forests with dense canopy closure and abundant dead wood. The Ouachita Mountains provide the highest concentrations of suitable habitat, with forests reaching 80 to 100 years old. Areas within the Ouachita National Forest boundaries offer protected habitat where flying squirrels thrive. Pine forests interspersed with hardwoods create the ideal conditions for both food production and nesting cavities. Southeastern Oklahoma's mesic slopes above stream valleys support healthy populations. Areas with 30 to 40 percent canopy cover and 10 to 20 snags per acre offer excellent habitat. Flying squirrels avoid young even-aged plantations and highly fragmented woodlots. Suburban forests with large trees may support small populations if forest connectivity extends across multiple properties. Interior forest blocks away from edges remain most productive for flying squirrels. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Flying Squirrel Behavior and Diet
Eastern flying squirrels are social animals, sometimes sharing winter dens with multiple individuals for warmth during cold nights. They construct stick and bark nests in tree cavities or build leaf nests in branches. Omnivorous feeding includes seeds from oak, hickory, and pine trees as primary food sources. Flying squirrels also consume insects, fungi, bird eggs, and tender tree buds. Mating occurs in late winter, with females producing one or occasionally two litters of two to three young annually. Young remain in the nest for approximately six weeks before becoming independent. Flying squirrels maintain activity every night, foraging and patrolling territories while avoiding predators. They cache nuts and seeds in scattered locations, creating food stores that support winter survival. These caching behaviors aid forest regeneration by dispersing seeds across the landscape. Oklahoma forests benefit from flying squirrel contributions to ecosystem health.
Coexistence and Legal Protection
Flying squirrels are harmless animals and pose no threat to human health or property. They are shy creatures actively avoiding human contact and remaining concealed during daylight hours. Flying squirrels rarely enter homes and do not cause structural damage or property destruction. Oklahoma law protects flying squirrels, making it illegal to trap, harm, or kill them. If you find a flying squirrel in an attic or building, contact a licensed wildlife control operator for humane exclusion and removal. Flying squirrels provide ecological benefits by controlling insect populations and dispersing forest seeds. They serve as food for various predators including barn owls and screech owls. Observing flying squirrels responsibly means appreciating them in their natural forest habitat without disturbance. Learn more about sharing Oklahoma forests with wildlife at theOklahoma wildlife hub.
Species Confusion and Differentiation
Eastern flying squirrels may be confused with fox squirrels, gray squirrels, or red squirrels found in Oklahoma, but several features distinguish them. Fox squirrels are considerably larger, measuring 20 to 27 inches, and lack the gliding membrane. Gray squirrels are larger than flying squirrels and display bushy tails unlike the flattened flying squirrel tail. Red squirrels are smaller than flying squirrels but remain diurnal and lack the patagium. The gliding membrane remains the most reliable identification feature unique to flying squirrels. Nocturnal activity separates flying squirrels from all other Oklahoma tree squirrels, which are active during daylight. Large, prominent eyes reflect the flying squirrel's night vision adaptations, contrasting with smaller eyes in diurnal squirrels. If you see a gliding squirrel or observe one only at night with a flashlight, you have found an eastern flying squirrel.
Questions About Oklahoma Flying Squirrels
Q: Are flying squirrels common throughout Oklahoma? A: No. Flying squirrels are restricted to eastern and southeastern Oklahoma forests. They are completely absent from western plains, panhandle grasslands, and central Oklahoma where forests are insufficient. Q: Can flying squirrels damage homes or gardens? A: Flying squirrels do not damage homes or gardens. They are harmless, shy animals avoiding human contact. Q: What time of year is best for observing flying squirrels in Oklahoma? A: Late spring through early fall offers warm evenings and peak activity. Visit forested areas in McCurtain, Pushmataha, and adjacent counties after dark. Q: Where can I learn more about forest wildlife in Oklahoma? A: Visit theOklahoma wildlife resource hubor contact your local Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation office for additional information about flying squirrels and other forest animals.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in Oklahoma
73 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in Oklahoma, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Oklahoma
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Fort Smith National Historic Site · Find hotels
- Oklahoma City National Memorial · Find hotels
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail · Find hotels
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