text by Barbara Dixson and Rae Henneman, photos by Rae Henneman
At the end of the fall 2024 Candlelight Hike, when some Schmeeckle visitors were taking refuge in the bird viewing area of the Visitor Center to warm up, and others were zipping up their jackets and lingering on the deck, Rae Henneman spotted a southern flying squirrel gobbling up seed on the bird feeders. Rae–whose pictures have enlivened these blog posts more than once–put in an urgent call to her mom to bring her good camera! She alerted all of us nearby to this delightful sight, and even let us inspect the tiny creature through her telephoto lens.
The UWSP chapter of The Wildlife Society has an ongoing flying squirrel project led by student members, who keep track of populations and flying squirrel health and habitat. These little creatures look like tiny gray squirrels to me, or maybe squirrel-like chipmunks, but they have a membrane between their front and back legs, which, when extended, allows them to glide as much as 150 feet (according to the National Wildlife Federation). Were you ever the kid who tied on a cape and leapt from a dizzying height, fully expecting to fly? These little guys really do it.
Flying squirrels glow neon pink under black light. Typically, white coloring glows blue, but because of a hormone that is secreted by flying squirrels, their stomachs glow pink! Most animals they come across (besides us humans) can see the pink coloring with their bare eyes.
Rae caught the little fellow in a number of poses. Upside down, here.
Being utterly charming with a direct look.
The two main theories surrounding this coloring are that they are mimicking other arboreal predators (like saw-whet owls that also have pink plumage) for safety, or they are doing this to recognize each other from a greater distance.
Handsome profile.
Sampling from a bird feeder.