Best time to travel to Estonia

Flying Squirrels in Estonia

Have you ever seen a flying squirrel? Consider yourself lucky if you manage to meet one in Estonian and Finnish forests

Best time: May–early August

Flying Squirrels
Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels can be found mostly in Estonia and Finland. This unique animal spends most of its life in the tree tops. It rarely touches the ground. The squirrels build nests in tree hollows. Flying squirrels, however, don't actually fly of course—it glides with the help of skin fold between the fore and hindlimbs and guides itself with its tail. It also has big eyes that help to see at night as they are nocturnal by nature and active mainly at night. The flying squirrel eats tree buds, young branches, seeds, etc. and stores food for winter in its shelter.

Unfortunately, flying squirrels have a lot of natural predators and are currently endangered. For this reason observing is only allowed with a local expert. The best time to see them is from May to early August during the white nights period.

Practical info

Where can flying squirrels be found?

Flying squirrels can be found in Estonian and Finnish forests. These creatures make their homes in tree hollows and spend their days in tree tops. To observe them, it's important to have a local expert present as they are a protected species. Show more

During which time of the year can flying squirrels be seen in Estonia?

Flying squirrels are most active from May to early August. During this time, they come out to forage in the night before storing their food for winter in their shelter. It's best to observe them during the white nights period, which is when the daylight hours are longer. Show more

What do flying squirrels eat?

Flying squirrels are herbivores and their diet includes tree buds, young branches, seeds and more. They collect food during the night and store it in their shelter for the winter season. They are an important part of the forest ecosystem and help to spread seeds throughout the forest. Show more

What is causing the endangerment of flying squirrels in Estonia?

Flying squirrel populations are currently endangered due to the loss of their natural habitat. Deforestation and other activities have destroyed their homes and made it difficult for them to survive. They are also threatened by natural predators like owls. To protect these animals, it's important to observe them only in the presence of a local expert. Show more

How do flying squirrels move from tree to tree?

Although it appears that flying squirrels can fly, they glide between trees with the help of a skin fold between their fore and hindlimbs. They also use their tails to help guide their movements. This ability to glide allows them to move easily and effortlessly through the forest while keeping away from ground predators like foxes. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin