Two juvenile southern flying squirrels (25-4367 and 25-4368) were brought to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) after being found near a construction site in Estero. Their exams had no significant findings and both squirrels were clinically healthy.  When patients arrive at CROW and the veterinarians don’t find anything wrong, the patients may be classified as abducted.

Abductions occur when animals are brought to the clinic that don’t necessarily need to be. They often happen to young animals because people may assume that if the animal is alone, they need help. However, young animals are often still receiving care, even if the parents aren’t immediately seen. Unless there is clearly something wrong, CROW recommends leaving the animal where they are. If you’re unsure, please call the CROW rescue hotline at 239-472-3644 extension #222. CROW’s wildlife first responders will be able to assess the situation and determine whether the animal needs help. Visit crowclinic.org/found-animal/ for more information.

When abductions do happen to young animals, they will be released if they’re old enough to survive on their own or if they can be reunited with a parent. If not, like in these squirrels’ case, they will be raised until they can be fully independent and released.

Southern flying squirrels are native to North America and can be found throughout the Eastern United States, including a sizeable population in Florida. Despite their names, flying squirrels don’t fly, they glide. These squirrels have a thin layer of skin between their fore and hind limbs, called the patagium. When it’s stretched taut, this membrane acts like a parachute and allows them to glide between the trees they inhabit. A cartilage projection from their wrists also plays a crucial role by stabilizing and adjusting the angle of their patagium. Their tails are also much flatter than their bushy-tailed relatives, and it helps them steer on their “flights” that can reach lengths of over 200 feet.