⭐ Hang Tight, Buttercup: The Truth About Chicago’s Flying Squirrels! (They're Legit!)
Hold the phone! You think you’ve seen it all in the Windy City, right? Deep-dish pizza, Cubs winning, maybe even a polar vortex that makes you question your life choices. But what if I told you there’s a crew of tiny, nocturnal ninjas gliding through the canopy? We’re talking about Flying Squirrels, folks! And yes, they absolutely are in Chicago and the greater Illinois area. Forget those daytime chatterboxes; these guys are the cool, mysterious cousins of your standard park squirrel. They don't fly like Iron Man, they glide like a tiny, furry parachute, and it's totally boss. Let's dive deep into this wild secret, because finding one is like finding a golden ticket!
Step 1: Getting the 411 on the Gliders
First things first, let’s clear the air. These critters are the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans), and they're native to Illinois, found basically statewide. They’re way smaller than their chunky Eastern Gray Squirrel buddies—think chipmunk-sized, but with huge, dark eyes that look like they’ve seen some things (probably because they're nocturnal!). The real magic? A furry flap of skin called the patagium that stretches from their wrist to their ankle. When they spread their limbs, voilà, they become a living, breathing, gliding carpet!
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| Are There Flying Squirrels In Chicago |
1.1 Why They’re Not on the ‘Gram
You haven’t seen one doing a photoshoot in Millennium Park because these fellas are strictly night owls. When you’re tucked into bed dreaming about hot dogs, they're waking up and getting the hustle on. They use their big peepers to navigate the dark, and they are shy. Like, "run-away-from-a-whisper" shy. This nocturnal lifestyle is their main secret weapon against predators and the nosy human population.
1.2 The Gliding Game is Strong
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They don't flap their arms and take off, they jump from a high spot and glide down and across. Think of it like a skydiver with amazing steering. They can adjust the tension in their patagium and use their broad, flat tail as a rudder to make sharp turns, and they can glide distances of a football field or more! It's a whole spectacular show you're missing while staring at your phone.
Step 2: Locating Your Own Flying Squirrel Squad
So, you’re hyped and ready to spot one of these fuzzy aviators? Cool. But this ain't like finding a pigeon. You need to be smart and strategic. Remember, we’re hunting for a secret society here, not just a casual sighting.
2.1 Scouting the Prime Real Estate
Flying squirrels are arboreal, meaning they live almost entirely in trees. Specifically, they love mature hardwood forests, especially near a water source. Why? Because old, big trees mean tree cavities—their preferred nesting spot. In Chicago, you'll need to hit up the Forest Preserves of Cook County or larger, well-established parks like those near Rosehill Cemetery or in the West Ridge Nature Preserve.
Pro Tip: Look for large, old oak, hickory, or maple trees. They're basically looking for a fancy tree condo with an established address!
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2.2 The Timing is Everything, Dude
Again, nocturnal! Roll out to your chosen spot about an hour after sunset when the world is quiet and the diurnal squirrels are snoring. This is their rush hour. In the winter, they often cozy up in communal nests (a ‘huddle-puddle’ of warmth—so cute!), making them slightly less active, but they do not hibernate. Spring and Fall are generally your best bets for seeing maximum action.
Step 3: Setting Up the Ultimate Flying Squirrel Stakeout
This step requires the patience of a saint and the stealth of a cat. If you're loud or bring a giant, noisy snack, you're toast.
3.1 Gearing Up (Minimalist Style)
You don't need a crazy expedition kit. Here’s your must-have list:
A Solid Flashlight with a Red Filter: White light spooks 'em. Red light is your friend and keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark. This is a non-negotiable piece of gear.
Binoculars: To see the action high up in the trees.
Warm Layers: You’ll be sitting still for a long time, and Chicago nights get chilly, even in the summer.
Total Silence: This isn't a frat party. Turn off your phone sounds. Shhh.
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3.2 The Peanut Butter Conspiracy
Sometimes, a little bait can help lure them out of their tree cavity pad.
Locate a Nook: Find a tree with a noticeable hole or a natural cavity about 8 to 15 feet off the ground.
The Sticky Treat: Gently smear a little peanut butter near the opening, or place a small piece of pecan or acorn right on the lip of the hole.
Back Off: Retreat about 20-30 feet from the tree. Find a comfy log and become one with the darkness.
Wait: Seriously, just wait. It might take an hour. It might take two. The payoff is totally worth the chill.
If you're lucky, you'll see a little, shadowy figure peek its head out, assess the scene, and then maybe take the leap. When they glide, it looks like a square or a flying napkin, and it is a phenomenal sight. Keep your red light low and focused only for a quick observation, then let them do their thing. Congrats, you've witnessed a tiny piece of Chicago's hidden wild side! It’s a flex!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How can I attract flying squirrels to my backyard?
You can increase your chances by ensuring you have mature trees (especially oaks and hickories) and placing a small, high-quality, wooden nest box that mimics a natural tree cavity high up (15+ feet) on a tree. Placing a few small pieces of nuts (pecans, walnuts) on a platform feeder at night may also work.
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Are flying squirrels harmful to my house or garden?
Generally, no. They are less likely to cause trouble than their gray and fox squirrel cousins because they prefer tree cavities over attics, though they will move into an attic if an entry point is left open. They eat insects, fungi, and nuts, making them more of a natural pest control than a nuisance.
Do flying squirrels actually ‘fly’ or do they just glide?
They glide. They don't have the muscle strength or wings for powered flight like a bird or a bat. The flap of skin, the patagium, acts as an airfoil, allowing them to jump and soar between trees, using their tail to steer and slow down for a perfect 4-point landing.
What do flying squirrels eat in the city?
Their diet is pretty varied (they are omnivores). In Chicago, they munch on acorns, hickory nuts, seeds, lichens, fungi, and a healthy dose of insects, bird eggs, and even small nesting birds. They're the most carnivorous of all North American squirrels.
When is the best time of year to spot one in Illinois?
While they are active year-round, your best bet is typically the early spring (March/April) or late fall (October/November). They are very active foraging for food to either raise their young or prepare for winter. Would you like me to find out about the best spots in the Chicago Forest Preserves to look for flying squirrels?
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