13 Interesting Facts About Flying Squirrels

 8. Baby Flying Squirrels Need a Lot of Mothering

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Early life of southern flying squirrels is evidence of the significance of mother care in the animal world. Litter of hairless, helpless young born by female southern flying squirrels is quite clumsy and unable of rolling over. For warmth, food, and protection throughout the first few days of their life, young newborns rely only on their mums. Their mothers carefully tend to them in the protection of the nest; they give small squeaks to indicate their requirements. The young depend on their mother's care to acquire the required abilities for independence, hence this vulnerable age is absolutely important for their survival. The infant flying squirrels start experiencing their surroundings within a few days following birth when their ears open. About one week later, they start to grow some hair, which offers more protection and insulation. But their eyes close for at least three weeks, during which they rely totally on their mums for survival. For a mammal this large, the protracted nursing period—about 65 days—is really unusual. For the young squirrels, this extended mother investment is absolutely vital since it helps them to grow stronger and acquire the abilities required for wild survival. The juvenile flying squirrels start to investigate their environment and pick up vital life skills as they get closer to their freedom. Usually ready to explore on their own by around four months of age, children born later in the summer may stay with their mums until the winter. Because it lets the young squirrels learn from their mums and experience foraging and environmental navigation, this family link can be advantageous. Mothers also show quite amazing flexibility in raising their children. They keep many backup nests, which act as safe havens should the main nest prove to be overly threatening. A southern flying squirrel was seen, for example, running with her young to an alternative nest during a forest fire, demonstrating the extent mothers would go to guard their young. This behaviour underlines the significance of mother care for the survival of infant flying squirrels and the need of safe environments with enough nesting places. All things considered, southern flying squirrel early life is characterised by a great dependence on mother care, which is very vital for their development and survival. The protracted nursing period and the protective actions mothers show highlight the need of caring in the animal realm. It is becoming more and more evident as we investigate these amazing animals that their success as a species is directly related to the availability of secure places for raising their young and the care given by their mums.