Are There Flying Squirrels in South Dakota?
Flying squirrels are rare and localized in South Dakota, primarily found in the northern coniferous forests of the state's western regions. These nocturnal gliders inhabit mature pine and spruce forests, particularly in the Black Hills. While not commonly seen, they do occur in suitable habitat. Sightings remain uncommon, but the state is within the Northern Flying Squirrel's range.
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 South Dakota. Next you'll want:
Flying squirrels are rare and localized in South Dakota, primarily found in the northern coniferous forests of the state's western regions. These nocturnal gliders inhabit mature pine and spruce forests, particularly in the Black Hills. While not commonly seen, they do occur in suitable habitat. Sightings remain uncommon, but the state is within the Northern Flying Squirrel's range.
Where in South Dakota are Flying Squirrels Found
Flying squirrels in South Dakota are restricted to the northern parts of the state, with the Black Hills being the primary stronghold. This mountain range in western South Dakota provides the dense coniferous forests these animals need. The area around Harney Peak, the state's highest point, offers suitable habitat with mature ponderosa pine and spruce forests. The northern forests of the Black Hills National Forest contain most documented sightings in the state. The state's central and eastern portions, which consist primarily of grasslands and farmland, lack the dense forest cover that flying squirrels require. In the Black Hills, forests transition from ponderosa pine at lower elevations to spruce and fir at higher elevations, creating ideal flying squirrel habitat. The northern reaches of South Dakota also have limited suitable forest habitat, particularly in areas bordering the state's northern boundary. Learning about where these animals live withinSouth Dakota wildlifehelps you understand why sightings remain uncommon in the state overall.
Season and Timing in South Dakota
Flying squirrels in South Dakota are active year-round, though seasonal patterns affect their visibility to observers. These nocturnal gliders are most active during the cooler months from autumn through spring, when they make frequent trips from their nests to feeding sites. Winter activity increases as they must forage more regularly to maintain body heat and energy reserves. Spring and early summer bring increased activity as they raise young, though they remain primarily nocturnal and rarely observed. Summer activity tends to decrease as insects and seeds become abundant and require less search effort. Fall represents another active season as flying squirrels prepare for winter by caching food and building nests. Temperature and food availability drive their activity patterns more than daylight hours. Migration does not occur in South Dakota, as flying squirrels are permanent residents wherever they establish populations. Most sightings in the state happen incidentally during winter when snow conditions make other nocturnal activity more visible onSouth Dakotaproperties.
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are distinctive and easy to identify once you know what to look for. They are small squirrels, measuring about 8 to 10 inches in total length with a flattened tail. Their most characteristic feature is a gliding membrane, or patagium, that stretches between their front and hind legs. This membrane enables them to glide considerable distances between trees by spreading their legs wide during descent. Fur color ranges from grayish-brown on the back to white on the underside, providing excellent camouflage in tree bark. The rounded ears appear large relative to their head size. Eyes are large and dark, adapted for nocturnal vision and helping them see in low light conditions. Flying squirrels lack the prominent ear tufts of other tree squirrel species in the region. The tail is flattened and somewhat fluffy, used for balance and steering during glides. Vocalizations include chirps and clicking sounds, though they remain relatively quiet compared to other squirrels. Nocturnality means most people never see them despite living in the same forests.
Where Sightings Concentrate in South Dakota
Confirmed flying squirrel sightings in South Dakota concentrate almost entirely in the Black Hills region. The Harney Peak area and surrounding high-elevation forests represent the most reliable habitat. Old-growth ponderosa pine stands mixed with white spruce and Douglas fir create ideal conditions for breeding and denning. The Black Hills National Forest, particularly the denser northern sections, hosts most documented populations. Areas around Mount Rushmore and the surrounding forested terrain have supported occasional sightings. The northern Black Hills near the South Dakota-Wyoming border show suitable habitat connectivity that may support populations. Limestone caves and cavities in dead trees provide essential denning sites throughout the region. The White River Badlands and surrounding areas lack sufficient forest cover to support flying squirrel populations. The Missouri River and the prairie regions west of it are too open for these forest-dependent animals. Most sightings happen when researchers survey forest cavities or when residents observe them at night lights near cabins in the Black Hills. Learn more aboutflying squirrel habitatto understand what makes certain areas suitable for these gliding mammals.
Typical Behavior
Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, sleeping in tree cavities or leaf nests during daylight hours. They emerge at dusk to glide between trees, covering impressive distances in single flights. A single glide can span 60 to 100 feet between tall pines or spruces, moving with remarkable agility and control. Their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fungi, and insects, with pine seeds forming a major component in South Dakota forests. They do not hibernate but remain active throughout winter, surviving on cached food stores. Social structure tends toward solitary living outside breeding season, though winter nesting sites sometimes house multiple individuals for warmth. Vocalizations serve communication purposes, including mating calls and alarm sounds, though rarely heard by humans due to their nocturnal nature. Reproduction occurs in spring and early summer, with females bearing one to three young per litter. Young remain with mothers for several months before dispersing in late summer or fall. Predators include owls, hawks, weasels, and foxes, with nocturnal owls representing the primary threat in Black Hills ecosystems. Thewildlife resource huboffers information on managing forests for wildlife like flying squirrels.
Coexistence and Safety
Flying squirrels pose no threat to humans and require no special safety precautions when encountered. They are beneficial forest inhabitants, helping to disperse fungal spores through their diet of fungi and truffle consumption. This mutualistic relationship benefits forest health and tree reproduction throughout the Black Hills. In areas where they coexist with human structures, they rarely cause problems but may occasionally use roof spaces or attics as den sites. Relocating animals humanely if necessary requires contacting South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks personnel. These animals are protected under South Dakota wildlife regulations, and collection or harm is illegal. Protecting suitable habitat, particularly in the Black Hills, remains the most important conservation need for maintaining populations. Maintaining mature forests with cavity trees benefits flying squirrels and many other wildlife species. When exploring Black Hills forests, keep noise levels low and use red-filtered lights if observing nocturnal wildlife. Reporting sightings towildlife managershelps track populations and distribution across the state.
Common Species People Confuse with Flying Squirrels
Eastern fox squirrels are the most commonly confused species with flying squirrels in South Dakota. Fox squirrels are much larger, measuring 16 to 20 inches total length, and lack the gliding membrane entirely. They are diurnal and highly visible in daytime hours, never gliding between trees. Fox squirrel fur ranges from rusty to gray to black, often with white spotting on the face and ears. Their tails are bushier and lack the flattened appearance of flying squirrel tails. Red squirrels, another common South Dakota species, are smaller than fox squirrels but still larger than flying squirrels at 12 to 14 inches. Red squirrels have prominent ear tufts lacking in flying squirrels, and their tails are more cylindrical and active. Chipmunks might confuse people due to their small size, but they have stripes, ground-based behavior, and diurnal habits. Eastern woodchucks are ground-dwelling and lack the aerial abilities of flying squirrels. Understanding these differences prevents misidentification and helps with accurate wildlife reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do flying squirrels actually live in South Dakota? A: Yes, Northern Flying Squirrels occur in South Dakota, primarily in the Black Hills. However, they are rare and localized. Most South Dakota residents never encounter them due to their remote habitat preference and strict nocturnal behavior. Q: What makes flying squirrels different from other tree squirrels? A: Flying squirrels possess a gliding membrane stretched between their legs that other squirrel species lack. This allows them to glide long distances between trees rather than climbing or jumping. Their nocturnal lifestyle also sets them apart from diurnal squirrel species. Q: Are flying squirrels endangered in South Dakota? A: Flying squirrels are not officially listed as endangered in South Dakota, though populations remain limited and localized. The species requires continuous forest habitat, which is becoming increasingly fragmented. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable forest conditions in the Black Hills. Q: What should I do if I see a flying squirrel? A: Consider yourself fortunate, as sightings remain uncommon in South Dakota. Report observations to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department to help track population distribution and abundance in thestate.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in South Dakota
71 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in South Dakota, most recently in 2020. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in South Dakota
- Badlands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Jewel Cave National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Missouri National Recreational River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Wind Cave National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site · Find hotels
More places to see flying squirrel
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