When is the Southern Flying Squirrel Gestation? 
You may be wondering: When is the southern flying squirrel gestation? Its gestation period is approximately six to eight weeks. At this time, it is only about two inches long and weighs about one-fifth of an ounce. Its fur is hairless and pink. It also has a fully developed gliding membrane. These flying squirrels can live for five years in the wild. These cute little creatures are highly trained and can perform tricks such as 90-degree turns, lateral loops and a hundred-yard glide.
Breeding season
The southern flying squirrel ranges throughout the eastern half of the United States, from Texas eastward to Central America. It is also found in southeastern Canada and New Hampshire. Their main habitat is deciduous and mixed forests, though they occasionally inhabit stands of conifers. Their distinctive loose skin fold, called a patagium, provides them with wings for flight. The squirrel has four clawed toes on each foot and five on the back.
The reproductive cycle of the southern flying squirrel is a complex one. The female produces one or two litters of up to 2.8 juveniles per litter. While 17% of females give birth to more than one litter a year, others produce two or more. Mating occurs in March for the first litter and April-May for the second litter. The young squirrels are weaned between 35 and 42 days old and are nearly equal in size to adults.
Weaning period
Glaucomys volans is a critically endangered species in the eastern United States. This article outlines the weaning period for this mammal and its interactions with cavity nesting birds. It also details the behavior and biology of a female southern flying squirrel. You’ll learn more about this mammal’s behavior when you read the full article. This article is not meant to replace other published studies on the southern flying squirrel.
We used 17 trials over three winter months to understand the factors that contribute to the formation of aggregations. For each group, we gave each individual a choice between two nest-mates: one that was familiar and one that was unfamiliar. The results of individual trials reflected the squirrels’ nesting associations. Each trial had at least five squirrels. In some trials, the females were separated from the males at the end of the day to reduce the stress caused by cold.
Habitat
The southern flying squirrel lives in the eastern third of the U.S., where it is found in deciduous forests. It is best observed with a flashlight around old woodpecker holes. They may breed twice a year. Their nest is lined with soft plant material and shredded bark. They share the nest with other southern flying squirrels. These animals are very agile and can avoid obstacles with ease. They are nocturnal and are mainly active at dusk and dawn.
The southern flying squirrel’s innate senses are excellent. It can glide up to eighteen meters in a single flight, which is quite impressive for a rodent. Its tail can be either cylindrical or flattened, and its fur is soft and long, woolly, and silky. Giant flying squirrels live in tropical India and southeastern Asia. They weigh one to two kilograms and have a body length of thirty to sixty centimeters (12-24 inches) and a tail length of 35 to 64 cms.
Diet
The diet of the southern flying squirrel during gestation consists of various dietary elements. The southern flying squirrel consumes various kinds of insects, fungi, birds’ eggs, and dead animals. The squirrel stores these items for later use, especially during winter. The squirrel also feeds on small birds and mice, and catches them in the act of nesting. The young of the southern flying squirrel will stay with their mothers until they reach sexual maturity.
Despite the lack of research on the reproductive biology of this species, it is known that the population reaches maturity twice per year. Females are fertile at birth and attract male attention through a series of rapid kicks. Once they have mated, females become independent and may bear more offspring. It is unknown how the young fly during their first year. Diet of the southern flying squirrel during gestation should be varied according to location and the type of food available.
How long is the gestation period for a Southern flying squirrel?
The gestation period for a Southern flying squirrel is approximately 38 days.
How many young does a Southern flying squirrel have per litter?
A Southern flying squirrel will have between one and six young per litter.
At what age are Southern flying squirrels sexually mature?
Southern flying squirrels are sexually mature at approximately eight months of age.
What is the average lifespan of a Southern flying squirrel in the wild?
The average lifespan of a Southern flying squirrel in the wild is three to five years.
What is the usual weight of a Southern flying squirrel?
The average weight of a Southern flying squirrel is between 30 and 40 grams.
What is the body length of a Southern flying squirrel?
The body length of a Southern flying squirrel is between 22 and 24 cm.
What is the tail length of a Southern flying squirrel?
The tail length of a Southern flying squirrel is between 17 and 20 cm.
What is the average number of days that a Southern flying squirrel will stay in their nest?
The average number of days that a Southern flying squirrel will stay in their nest is approximately 30 days.
At what age are Southern flying squirrels independent?
Southern flying squirrels are independent at approximately two months of age.
What is the primary food source for Southern flying squirrels?
The primary food source for Southern flying squirrels is acorns.
Do Southern flying squirrels hibernate?
Yes Southern flying squirrels do hibernate.
How long is the Southern flying squirrel’s breeding season?
The Southern flying squirrel’s breeding season is between February and March.
What is the number one predator of the Southern flying squirrel?
The number one predator of the Southern flying squirrel is the owl.
What other predators of the Southern flying squirrel are there?
Other predators of the Southern flying squirrel include weasels snakes and hawks.
What is the primary defense mechanism of the Southern flying squirrel?
The primary defense mechanism of the Southern flying squirrel is to use their tail as a “brake” when they are jumping from branch to branch.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
