We live alone on an island in the Rangeley Lakes of Maine. I have been trapping with have-a-heart traps many red squirrels and releasing them on shore as they have become numerous and there are no predators on the island to control their population. Never having seen a “flying squirrel” I was surprised when one found its way into my trap. I released it here on the island. Now I have caught another one. I plan to release it here too, but would like to know if they can be trouble makers. From what I read, it would be unlikely they would go into a building, right? Any further information you can provide would be appreciated. I’ve only seen it “hop” away after I released it. Are they blind in the daylight? Thanks, Carol
If you know your island and you have any hollow trees or “tree hollows” where there’s a natural hole flying squirrels will gravitate to it and nest. We have found them active even in very snowy wintertime.
Flying squirrels love attics, so make sure yours is sealed. They are also gregarious so if one finds his way in they all will. I find them not as destructive (chew up everything) as red squirrels. You can build a ‘birdhouse’ for them (a box in a tree with a 1 1/2 inch hole) and watch them at night. They are not supposed to bite, but don’t believe that. As for predators you have them (owls and hawks), but any critter can become overpopulated and unwelcome, especially on an island. Last winter was a good cone crop so the survival and proliferation of red squirrels was greater than usual, so this year they are more of a pest. Flying squirrels see well in the daytime.
Cheers and enjoy
Fred