More Info & FAQ

Why do nest boxes attract flying squirrels?

Flying squirrels are cavity nesters. That means they look for holes in trees where they can build a nest or hide from a predator to eat, sleep, or defecate. Many other animals are also cavity nesters so there is a fair amount of competition for these cavities. A nest box provides an additional cavity and flying squirrels, like many other species, will take readily to the nest boxes. 

How can you tell a northern flying squirrel from a southern flying squirrel?

At first glance the squirrels look very similar, but there are some differences to look for. The northern flying squirrel is longer with a length over 26 cm and larger with a weight greater than 70 gm (Well-Gosling & Heaney, 1984) than the southern flying squirrel which weighs less than 80 gm and is 19.8 to 25.5 cm (Dolan & Carter, 1977). The fur on the underside of the squirrel can also help distinguish the two species. The northern flying squirrel has gray at the base of the fur while the southern flying squirrel belly fur is more uniformly white.  You might not be able to tell the difference, but by collecting hair samples, we will be able to identify the species.  

Can I build a nest box?

There are designs for nest boxes readily available online. Search for box designs for northern flying squirrels that have a hinge like in the picture so that you can easily open the box to check the contents. A box for a northern flying squirrel will be a bit bigger than a box for a southern flying squirrel, but southern flying squirrels will likely use a northern flying squirrel box. An excellent resource for building nest boxes is a book called Woodworking for Wildlife: Homes for Birds an Animals by Carrol L. Henderson.  Purchasing a box is another option, see the next question.

Where can I purchase a box?

If you would rather purchase one pre-made, Nuts About Squirrels has boxes for sale. They make a regular size nest box and a condo, which is a bit bigger and provides more room for aggregations. Either will work for the project.  Make sure the hole diameter is 1 and 1/2" or 3.8 cm and pick a sealed box as it will last longer. If you have questions about them contact Jay at Nuts About Squirrels. You can also order a kit if you would like to put the box together yourself.

 Where should I place my nest box? 

Hang your nest box on a tree in your yard.  You may want to put your box away from prevailing winds.  If you have a large yard with a wooded area, pick that wooded area and go in a bit.  If you have a more suburban yard, pick the area with the most trees in your yard. 

How high should I hang my nest box?

Put your nest box up as high as you can, but still be able to access it without hurting yourself. You'll need a ladder so put your box up as high as you can and still check it with your ladder.

I have flying squirrels in my bluebird box, can I participate?

Yes!  We would love to know about a flying squirrel in your bluebird box!  

I'm a teacher, scout/4-H leader, librarian... how can I get my class/group/library involved?

We are very interested in collaborating with classes and groups to put up and check a box and also to study the data collected from all the boxes.  If you would like to get your group involved, please get in touch.  We have a lab ready to go for teachers and will be creating more curriculum as we go.  Contact us.

How can I Join The New England Flying Squirrel Network?

If you would like to be part of our participatory science team, fill out the form below.

If you are not in New England, but would like to participate, just let us know!