Southern flying squirrels glide rather than fly, using a loose fold of skin between their limbs to coast between trees after dark. Because they’re active only at night and rarely visit bird feeders in daylight, most people who share woods with this species never actually see one.
Illinois’ 191 records since 2000 cluster in Shawnee National Forest, though sightings also come from Emiquon and the Illinois River wetlands and scattered central Illinois state parks. Records rise notably in October and November, a fall bump that likely tracks increased feeder visits and nut caching rather than any seasonal change in the squirrel itself.
The species is native across Illinois and NatureServe lists it as secure, a status that hasn’t required any special conservation attention in the state.
