Are There Flying Squirrels in Pennsylvania?
Yes, flying squirrels are common in Pennsylvania's woodlands statewide. Eastern flying squirrels inhabit mixed hardwood forests throughout the state, from the Pocono region and Allegheny Mountains to the southeastern piedmont and mid-Atlantic lowlands. These nocturnal gliders are present in nearly all Pennsylvania counties where mature tree coverage exists.
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 Pennsylvania. Next you'll want:
Yes, flying squirrels are common in Pennsylvania's woodlands statewide. Eastern flying squirrels inhabit mixed hardwood forests throughout the state, from the Pocono region and Allegheny Mountains to the southeastern piedmont and mid-Atlantic lowlands. These nocturnal gliders are present in nearly all Pennsylvania counties where mature tree coverage exists.
Where Flying Squirrels are Found in Pennsylvania
Eastern flying squirrels occur throughout Pennsylvania wherever mature woodlands provide suitable habitat. The Pocono Mountains in northeastern counties and the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania support strong populations. The ridges and valleys of the Appalachian region harbor healthy flying squirrel areas. State Game Lands scattered across northern and central Pennsylvania, including areas around Pine Creek and the Quehanna Plateau, provide protected habitat. Southwestern counties around the Laurel Highlands contain extensive suitable forests. The mid-Atlantic lowlands and piedmont of southeastern Pennsylvania support populations in both public and private forests. Flying squirrels inhabit forests from the highest ridges down through river valleys. They are absent only from severely deforested areas and urban zones lacking large trees. Visit thePennsylvania wildlife guideto explore other forest animals found throughout the state.
Seasonal Activity and Year-Round Presence
Flying squirrels remain active year-round in Pennsylvania and do not hibernate. Spring and early summer mark increased activity as breeding season progresses and young squirrels become independent. Pennsylvania's summer months provide peak conditions for observation as mild temperatures and abundant insects support high activity levels. Fall activity intensifies dramatically as flying squirrels cache acorns and hickory nuts, a critical survival behavior for winter. Winter activity continues but becomes restricted during severe cold snaps and ice storms when flying squirrels remain sheltered in tree cavities. Pennsylvania winters are moderately cold but milder than northern New England, allowing year-round den access. Flying squirrels emerge at dusk and remain active throughout the night, with peak activity occurring in early evening hours. Late May through early September offers the best observation opportunities in Pennsylvania's forests. For more on flying squirrel in Pennsylvania, see ourPennsylvania flying squirrel guide.
How to Identify Eastern Flying Squirrels in Pennsylvania
Eastern flying squirrels measure 8 to 10 inches in body length with a flattened tail that aids balance and steering. Soft gray-brown fur covers the back while the underside displays pure white coloring. The distinctive patagium, a furred membrane stretching between front and hind legs, expands during launching and enables glides of 60 to 100 feet. Large, dark eyes dominate the small, delicate face and are perfectly adapted for nocturnal vision. Small rounded ears sit toward the back of the head. Flying squirrels have thin, sensitive whiskers that detect air currents during gliding maneuvers. Their feet have sharp claws for gripping bark. A high-pitched chirping or clicking vocalization is distinctive when heard. The gliding membrane, when observed, provides definitive identification. Flying squirrels' small size and nocturnal habits distinguish them from Pennsylvania's larger, diurnal tree squirrels. You can also browsePennsylvania wildlife.
Habitat Where Flying Squirrels Concentrate
Flying squirrels concentrate in mature hardwood and mixed conifer-hardwood forests with closed canopy and abundant dead wood. Oak and hickory dominated forests, common throughout Pennsylvania, provide both mast seeds and cavity trees. The Pocono Mountains contain extensive suitable habitat with hemlock and mixed hardwoods. Allegheny Mountains forests with 70 to 100 year-old trees support the highest populations. State Game Lands designated for wildlife management contain productive flying squirrel habitat. Forests with 40 to 50 percent canopy closure and 5 to 15 snags per acre provide ideal conditions. Areas with significant dead wood and cavities support larger populations than heavily managed young forests. River valley bottomlands and steep hillside slopes in north-central Pennsylvania harbor concentrated populations. Flying squirrels avoid young even-aged plantations, open woodlots, and heavily fragmented forest patches. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Flying Squirrel Behavior and Natural History
Eastern flying squirrels are highly social animals and often share winter dens with multiple individuals, sometimes up to 20 squirrels, for warmth and insulation. They construct nests from shredded bark, leaves, and twigs in tree cavities or as stick and leaf nests in branches. Omnivorous feeding includes acorns, hickory nuts, and seeds as primary food sources when available. They also consume insects, fungi, bird eggs, and tree bark during other seasons. Mating occurs in late winter, with females producing one or two litters of two to three young annually. Young remain dependent for approximately six to eight weeks before becoming independent. Flying squirrels are active every night year-round, patrolling territories and foraging across the canopy. Their seed caching and dispersal behaviors significantly benefit Pennsylvania forest regeneration and ecosystem health.
Coexistence and Wildlife Protection
Flying squirrels are protected under Pennsylvania law, and it is illegal to trap, harm, or kill them. These shy, nocturnal animals actively avoid human contact and pose no threat to human safety or property. Flying squirrels rarely enter homes and cause no structural damage or property destruction. If a flying squirrel enters a building, contact a licensed Pennsylvania wildlife removal specialist for humane exclusion. Flying squirrels provide ecological benefits including seed dispersal, insect population control, and forest regeneration support. They serve as prey for barn owls, screech owls, and great horned owls, supporting Pennsylvania's raptor populations. Flying squirrels indicate healthy, mature forest conditions and often serve as indicator species for forest quality. Observing them responsibly means appreciating them in natural forest settings without disturbance. Visit thePennsylvania wildlife hubfor more information about coexisting with forest animals.
Similar Species and Identification Challenges
Eastern flying squirrels may be confused with eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, or red squirrels found in Pennsylvania, though key features distinguish them. Gray squirrels are significantly larger, lack the gliding membrane, and are active during daylight hours. Fox squirrels, the largest tree squirrels, measure 20 to 27 inches and are diurnal. Red squirrels are smaller than flying squirrels but remain active during the day and lack the patagium membrane. The gliding membrane remains the most reliable identifying feature unique to flying squirrels. Nocturnal activity is another key distinction separating flying squirrels from all other Pennsylvania tree squirrels. Flying squirrels' large eyes reflect their nocturnal adaptations, while other squirrels have smaller eyes suited for daytime vision. If you observe a gliding squirrel or find a small squirrel active at night in Pennsylvania forests, you have identified an eastern flying squirrel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Flying Squirrels
Q: How common are flying squirrels in Pennsylvania? A: Flying squirrels are common throughout Pennsylvania's forested areas. They occur in nearly every county with suitable woodland habitat, though they remain rarely seen due to nocturnal habits. Q: Are flying squirrels harmful to homes or gardens? A: Flying squirrels are completely harmless and do not damage homes, gardens, or property. They are shy animals avoiding human contact. Q: What should I do if I find an injured flying squirrel? A: Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Pennsylvania. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can direct you to rehabilitation services. Q: Where can I observe flying squirrels in Pennsylvania? A: State Game Lands throughout the state, the Pocono Mountains, and Allegheny Mountains offer excellent habitat. VisitPennsylvania wildlife resourcesfor location recommendations and information about other forest wildlife.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in Pennsylvania
320 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in Pennsylvania, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
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- Friendship Hill National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
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