Are There Flying Squirrels in Virginia?
Yes, flying squirrels live throughout Virginia. Two species are present: Northern Flying Squirrels in the Appalachian Mountains and Southern Flying Squirrels in the Piedmont and coastal plain. Both are nocturnal and rarely seen but common in forests. These small, gliding mammals are active year-round throughout the state.
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
- 474
- GBIF records
Yes, flying squirrels are in Virginia. Next you'll want:
Yes, flying squirrels live throughout Virginia. Two species are present: Northern Flying Squirrels in the Appalachian Mountains and Southern Flying Squirrels in the Piedmont and coastal plain. Both are nocturnal and rarely seen but common in forests. These small, gliding mammals are active year-round throughout the state.
Where Flying Squirrels Live in Virginia
Flying squirrels occupy nearly every region of Virginia with suitable forest habitat. Northern Flying Squirrels favor the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and George Washington National Forest, where mature coniferous and mixed forests dominate. Southern Flying Squirrels are widespread in the Piedmont region, the Virginia Coastal Plain, and lower foothills, inhabiting deciduous forests and mixed hardwood stands. Both species use the James River and Rappahannock River valleys as corridors, moving through riparian forests and wooded areas along waterways. You can find flying squirrels inwildlife habitats across Virginia, though you will rarely observe them because they are active only at night. The New River valley in southwestern Virginia supports particularly healthy populations of both species, especially where old-growth forest patches remain intact.
Season and Timing
Flying squirrels in Virginia are active year-round, with no migration. They remain in their territories through winter, relying on stored food and thick fur to survive cold months. Activity increases during spring and fall when they gather and cache seeds, nuts, and acorns for the lean season ahead. In summer, nocturnal activity may shift slightly later into the evening as temperatures cool. Winter is actually a good time to spot evidence of flying squirrels, as their tracks in snow reveal their presence along tree trunks and on the ground. Breeding occurs in late winter and early spring in Virginia, with females raising litters of two to three young in tree cavities. You may hear their quiet chirping and clicking calls most often in April and May when young are still dependent. Spring and fall offer the best opportunity to hear them moving through the canopy at night, especially on moonlit evenings. For more details about seasonal activity, visitflying squirrel guidesand check local resources.
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are tiny, weighing only two to four ounces. They have soft, fluffy fur that ranges from gray to reddish-brown, with white undersides. The most distinctive feature is the loose fold of skin, called a patagium, stretching between their front and hind legs. When they glide, they spread their legs wide to stretch this membrane and control their descent. Their large, dark eyes are adapted for night vision and face forward like those of an owl. Northern Flying Squirrels are slightly smaller and grayer than Southern Flying Squirrels, which tend toward warmer brown tones. Both species have large, feathery tails that help with balance during gliding. Their ears are small and rounded, and their teeth never stop growing, so they chew constantly to keep them worn down. At night, their eyes reflect light in a distinctive way, appearing as tiny glowing orbs if you catch them in a flashlight beam.Explore more Virginia wildlife speciesto learn about other nocturnal residents.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Virginia
In the mountains, look for flying squirrels in mature oak and hickory forests, particularly within Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding national forest lands. They concentrate where large cavities exist in old trees, using these as homes and as shelter from predators and weather. Wooded residential areas adjacent to forests, especially in the foothills around Charlottesville, Roanoke, and southwestern Virginia, harbor healthy populations. The bottomland hardwoods along the James River and its tributaries support both species, especially where sycamore, oak, and hickory trees grow abundantly. Virginia's eastern shore, including mature maritime forests and woodlots in the Coastal Plain, is a stronghold for Southern Flying Squirrels. VisitVirginia's wildlife pagesto learn more about their habitat preferences. Red spruce and hemlock forests in the highest reaches of the Blue Ridge hold thriving Northern Flying Squirrel colonies. Wooded parks and old-growth forest preserves throughout the state often harbor flying squirrels, especially if they remain undisturbed and offer abundant mast from oaks and hickories.Wildlife observersreport frequent sightings in Shenandoah National Park after dark.
Typical Behavior
Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, leaving their tree-cavity homes only after sunset. They are solitary foragers but not entirely antisocial, sometimes nesting communally during winter to conserve heat. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts, and acorns, with some insects and fungi. They are expert gliders, launching from high branches and angling their bodies to steer toward lower trees, landing with their claws dug into bark. A typical glide can cover 60 feet or more, and they often make several consecutive glides to move through the forest canopy. On the ground, they move in quick, jerky hops, always alert to danger. They vocalize with quiet chirps, squeaks, and chattering sounds, especially during the breeding season or when alarmed. Flying squirrels create food caches hidden in various locations, relying on their memory to find stored acorns and nuts when food becomes scarce. They are incredibly agile climbers and can navigate tree trunks and branches with remarkable speed and precision.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Flying squirrels pose no threat to humans and are protected by Virginia wildlife law. They cannot be trapped or killed without a permit, and they are considered part of the state's natural heritage. If you encounter a flying squirrel in your home, which is rare, contact a local wildlife removal specialist to safely relocate it outdoors. Flying squirrels are beneficial forest inhabitants that help spread seeds and fungi throughout Virginia's ecosystems. They do not attack people and will flee if confronted. Unlike some squirrels, flying squirrels rarely damage homes because they are nocturnal and do not gnaw aggressively. Keeping outdoor areas moderately lit and removing food sources that might attract them helps minimize any incidental conflict. The presence of flying squirrels in your forest or woodlot is actually a sign of healthy forest ecology and indicates a rich diversity of wildlife. Learn more aboutVirginia wildlifeto appreciate the full range of nocturnal mammals sharing your area. When youexplore Virginia's wildlife pages, you'll find detailed information about these remarkable gliders.
Species People Confuse With Flying Squirrels
The most common confusion involves the Eastern Gray Squirrel and Fox Squirrel, both of which are much larger, heavier, and diurnal. Gray Squirrels weigh 16 to 21 ounces, compared to a flying squirrel's two to four ounces. Fox Squirrels are even larger and have rusty coloring and white nose patches. Neither has the distinctive patagium membrane, and both are active during the day. Some people misidentify flying squirrels as flying mice or gliding rats, but flying squirrels are solidly in the squirrel family. The small Southern Flying Squirrel could be confused with the larger Southern Gray Squirrel, but size and activity patterns make them easy to distinguish once you know what to look for. Flying mice and gliding possums do not occur in Virginia, so confusion with these is unlikely. Chipmunks are sometimes mistaken for flying squirrels by those who glimpse them in low light, but chipmunks are much larger, lack the gliding membrane, and are active during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are flying squirrels dangerous? A: No. Flying squirrels are shy, nocturnal, and completely harmless to humans. They avoid conflict and will flee if spotted. Q: Can flying squirrels actually fly? A: They cannot truly fly, but they glide by stretching a membrane of skin between their legs and can cover 60 feet or more in a single glide. Q: What do flying squirrels eat? A: They primarily eat seeds, nuts, and acorns, along with some insects, fungi, and tree buds. They cache food to survive winter. For more details, visitwildlife guidesto learn more. Q: How can I see a flying squirrel? A: Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal and difficult to observe. Your best bet is to listen for their quiet chirps at night in mature forests, or to watch tree canopies with a flashlight after dark during spring and fall when they are most vocal. Exploreflying squirrel resourcesfor additional information.
Plan your flying squirrel sighting in Virginia
474 verified flying squirrel records have been logged in Virginia, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appomattox Court House National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Blue Ridge Parkway · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
More places to see flying squirrel
More wildlife in Virginia