Flying squirrels, or tree squirrels, might just be one of Tennessee’s most fascinating and misunderstood wildlife residents. Often mistaken for their more conventional tree squirrel cousins, these nocturnal creatures bring an air of mystery to the forests of the Volunteer State. But here’s the thing—flying squirrels don’t actually fly. They glide, using a remarkable membrane called a patagium to soar gracefully between the treetops.

This blog dives into the world of flying squirrels in Tennessee, exploring everything from how to identify them to their habitats, habits, and their role in the ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast wanting to learn more or a homeowner dealing with a tree squirrel infestation, this guide has you covered. 

How to Identify a Flying Squirrel in Tennessee

Spotting a flying squirrel isn’t easy—they’re nocturnal and most active when you’re asleep. However, knowing what to look for can help you identify one if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse. In Tennessee, there are two primary species, the Northern Flying Squirrel and Southern Flying Squirrel.

Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

• Size: These squirrels are small, about 8–10 inches in length, including their tail. 
• Color: Their fur is soft and grayish-brown on the back and creamy white on the belly. 
• Key Feature: The patagium, a stretchy membrane extending from their wrists to their ankles, is what allows them to glide through the air. 
• Eyes: They have large, dark, and round eyes adapted for night vision, giving them a slightly “cute yet alien” appearance. 
• Behavior: Their graceful glides can be mistaken for flight, which is how they got their name. They often land with precision on targeted trees. 

Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) 

The other variety of flying squirrel in Tennessee is the Northern Flying Squirrel. They are less common and usually found in higher elevations, whereas Southern Flying Squirrels can be spotted across the state. 

• Size: These squirrels are slightly larger than their southern counterparts at 10–12 inches in length. 
• Color: Their fur is similar to Southern Flying Squirrels with grayish-brown on their back and white on their belly. However, they have a reddish tinge around their eyes and nose. 
• Behavior: Northern Flying Squirrels glide more slowly than Southern Flying Squirrels but do so more often due to their larger size.

If you hear high-pitched chirps or rustling in the trees at night, you may be in the company of a flying squirrel. 

Where Do Flying Squirrels Live in Tennessee? 

Flying squirrels thrive in Tennessee’s forests and wooded areas, particularly those with mature trees. They’re especially fond of hardwood forests with plenty of oak and hickory trees, as these provide both food and nesting sites. 

Some common places flying squirrels call home include:

• Tree Cavities—Hollow sections of trees act as their primary nesting spots. 
• Abandoned Bird Nests—They may repurpose old nests found in high branches. 
• Communal Nests—During colder months, flying squirrels often huddle together in communal nests to conserve body heat. 

If their natural habitats become scarce, they may venture closer to human structures like your attic, which can lead to a flying squirrel infestation. 

Behavior of Flying Squirrels 

One of the most amazing traits of flying squirrels is their gliding ability. Unlike other squirrels that scurry along branches, flying squirrels leap and glide up to 150 feet, using their tail as a rudder to steer and control balance with astonishing precision. 

Other behaviors to note include:

• Nocturnal Habits: They are strictly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. 
• Diet: They’re mostly herbivorous, dining on acorns, nuts, berries, eggs, and fungi. They also play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping regenerate the forest. 
• Social Structure: Unlike their solitary counterparts, they are surprisingly social. During winter, they often share nests to stay warm. 
• Communication: Flying squirrels communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations that are beyond human hearing, along with touch, chirps, and even scent marking. 

While their night-time habits make them elusive, these behaviors play a key role in forest health and biodiversity. 

Conservation of Flying Squirrels 

Flying squirrels in Tennessee are not endangered, but they still face several challenges. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human activity remains the biggest threat to their populations. Climate change also poses risks, potentially disrupting food cycles and nesting behaviors. 

How can you help? 

• Preserve Forests: Advocate for the protection of mature forests that serve as critical habitats. 
• Leave Dead Trees in Place: Unless a tree is posing a safety risk, leaving old or hollow trees standing provides excellent nesting sites for flying squirrels. 
• Install Nesting Boxes: These can offer flying squirrels an alternative shelter if natural cavities are scarce. 

By taking small steps to help protect their habitats, you’re also promoting overall wildlife conservation. 

Safely Managing Flying Squirrel Infestations 

While flying squirrels are undoubtedly fascinating, they’re less charming when they move into your home and make their way into your attic. They can chew through insulation, wiring, and wood, leading to expensive damage and potential fire hazards. If you suspect flying squirrels in your attic, here’s what to do: 

1. Inspect Your Home – Look for entry points such as holes in the roof, vents, or gaps in the siding. Tree squirrels don’t need much—a hole the size of a quarter is enough for them to squeeze through. 
2. Seal Entry Points – Once you’re certain all squirrels have vacated, seal off these openings to prevent re-entry. Use durable materials like steel mesh to block them. 
3. Humane Removal – Never trap or harm flying squirrels. Instead, contact professional wildlife removal services that use humane strategies to relocate them. 
4. Install Deterrents – Consider deterrents like motion-activated lights or ultrasonic noise emitters to keep these nocturnal visitors away. 

At the end of the day, if preventing squirrels from nesting feels overwhelming, our squirrel control experts are here to help. We specialize in humane, safe, and effective solutions to keep your home squirrel-free. 

RECAP: Why Flying Squirrels Matter 

Flying squirrels play a vital role in Tennessee’s ecosystem. They’re not only essential for forest regeneration through seed dispersal, but they’re also a key part of the food chain, supporting predators like owls and snakes. Furthermore, their presence indicates a healthy, biodiverse environment. 

Whether you’re admiring their nighttime glides or managing a squirrel infestation, flying squirrels are incredible creatures that deserve a place in Tennessee’s rich wildlife tapestry.

Let’s work together to maintain a beautiful and wildlife-friendly yard for your family. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed flying squirrel removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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