Wild Care & HCT Partner to Save Flying Squirrels
In August, Naturalist and Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) walk leader Andrea Higgins discovered two baby flying squirrels in a nest that had fallen out of a tree at Sand Pond Woodlands.
Flying squirrels are named after their unique ability to glide through the air as they navigate the forest. A special membrane stretching from the front to hind legs extends as they jump from branch to branch, creating a parachute-like effect. Because these small squirrels are nocturnal, they are rarely seen despite being common across the Cape.
Andrea brought the two babies she found to Wild Care in Eastham. Wild Care is a wildlife rehabilitation center that helps sick, injured and orphaned mammals, birds, and other animals for release back into their native habitats. When the flying squirrels arrived, they each weighed under 10 grams (as much as a graphite pencil). They were quite young and still nursing, which initially required 8 feedings per day with overnight care.
Wild Care’s staff of licensed wildlife rehabilitators were able to nurture the two babies until they were ready to be released on December 3rd, at the same location where they were found at Sand Pond Woodlands.
The flying squirrels’ journey came full circle when Andrea greeted them to assist with the release at the same place they had initially met. Wandering down the trails at sunset equipped with the squirrels in a box along with a rope and a ladder, Wild Care volunteer Jennifer and Andrea were able to secure the box high up on a tree near where the nest was originally found.
“We were thrilled that these little squirrels were able to be rehabilitated and placed back into the wild in the location where they were found. Though they are common on Cape Cod, most people never get to see them because they are nocturnal. We receive typically less than 15 flying squirrels per year at Wild Care. Southern Flying Squirrels provide important roles in our ecosystem. They disperse seeds, nuts and fungi in the woodlands they inhabit, and aid in forest regeneration due to their food caching and burying behaviors. At Wild Care, we are mesmerized by their beauty – their large eyes, soft fur and agility. Our staff at Wild Care consider it a gift whenever we have a Southern Flying Squirrel in our care.” Stephanie Ellis, Wild Care, Inc. Executive Director shared.
After slowly and carefully peeling back the covering across the nest box opening, the release crew was surprised and delighted by the immediate appearance of squirrel #1 poking its head out of the hole. He was earnest to begin exploring, scampering up and down the tall pine. His brother was a bit more hesitant but soon after began poking his head out to study the surroundings. The pair settled in brilliantly and the hope is that these social animals will find and join a nearby colony of other flying squirrels.
“It was incredible how quickly these little squirrels took to their new home and it was touching that we got to return them to their birthplace. Wild Care did an amazing job nurturing them and it was so special that HCT was able to collaborate for their release, bringing home the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Sand Pond Woodlands is a sanctuary for all of our wild neighbors and we’re thrilled that these two little guys made it back and will hopefully soon be reunited with other resident flying squirrels.” Said HCT’s Outreach and Administrative Coordinator Halley Steinmetz.
Also in attendance for the release was HCT trail camera volunteer Andrea Petitto who was able to set up a camera to capture the critters’ activity for the coming week. Stay tuned for video updates!
Photos provided by Andrea Higgins, Chelsea Peck (Wild Care, Inc), and Halley Steinmetz
