Name: Pat S.
Status: other
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
I live in Kentucky and I keep seeing something in a tree outside my
home at night. Since it is night, it is hard to see it very well but I
can tell it is light in color but not white and moves quickly along the
branches stretched
out flat like a squirrel. When it reaches the end of a branch it often
launches itself into the air and glides into the woods. I have never heard or
seen any type of wing flapping but it doesn't seem to have the clumsiness
of a flying squirrel. It's "flight" is smooth. It makes a sound I would
describe as a chittering noise. I didn't notice anything through the
winter which leads me to believe that it either hibernates or goes
elsewhere.
I first thought it might be bats but the quick movement along the
branches causes me to wonder. I wouldn't bother you with something
so simple except that this has me very perplexed.
I was in the hopes that you could give me some clues as to what type of
animal this could be in my area. I would appreciate anything you could
tell me that might help me to clear this up. I am not afraid of it but
certainly would like to know what this is prowling around in the dark
outside my home.
Replies:
Flying squirrel...I have had quite a few living in my house...cute little
buggers.
Peter Faletra Ph.D.
Office of Science
Department of Energy
Flying Squirrels! Quite an animal!
Steve Sample
Long distance identification is always very risky, but it sounds most likely
like a flying squirrel to me.
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