what creature is this? - Ask Extension
I found one of these dead in my living room a year ago and then another one this week. What is t? What should I do about it?
Knowledgebase
what creature is this? #890833
Asked December 16, 2024, 11:02 AM EST
I found one of these dead in my living room a year ago and then another one this week. What is t? What should I do about it?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Wow-always fun to see a flying squirrel! Maybe not as much fun to you but once/year is something you may be able to figure out...
There are two species of flying squirrels in Michigan-the southern and the northern. From the coat color, I think this is a northern.
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Glaucomys_sabrinus/
They usually nest in holes and hollowed out trees but sometimes can nest in attics. If in your living room, not sure if they are coming directly into your living room or nesting somewhere in the house-like the attic. Put on your Sherlock Hat and check the attic and possible entry ways in the living room. If just a rogue one that has gotten in towards the end of the summer (looking for a warm winter spot), perhaps you don't have any issues besides the occasional one. But worth investigating a bit if a bigger group in the attic? Ultimately, you would want to block the entry way they are coming in. If you are not good about shutting doors towards the onset of winter, they may have simply flown in without you noticing.
Feel free to reach back out if you have any additional questions.
There are two species of flying squirrels in Michigan-the southern and the northern. From the coat color, I think this is a northern.
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Glaucomys_sabrinus/
They usually nest in holes and hollowed out trees but sometimes can nest in attics. If in your living room, not sure if they are coming directly into your living room or nesting somewhere in the house-like the attic. Put on your Sherlock Hat and check the attic and possible entry ways in the living room. If just a rogue one that has gotten in towards the end of the summer (looking for a warm winter spot), perhaps you don't have any issues besides the occasional one. But worth investigating a bit if a bigger group in the attic? Ultimately, you would want to block the entry way they are coming in. If you are not good about shutting doors towards the onset of winter, they may have simply flown in without you noticing.
Feel free to reach back out if you have any additional questions.
