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Flying Squirrels

205 images Created 6 Jun 2022

Images of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels in Hokkaido, Japan

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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel looking down from a tree at sunset.
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  • The Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel male seen fleeing up the tree in this photograph had just been chased off by the male poking his head out of the nest. The reason for this conflict was a female inside the nest. She was approaching estrus.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel flying through trees.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from its nest in the middle of the day.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the canopy during a sunny day.
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  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels that have emerged from the nest at dusk. The female seated above is entering estrus. The male is checking her readiness for mating.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from the tiny entrance to its nest. These squirrels often do this to check their surroundings prior to emerging.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel attempting to enter a nest with a female inside during reproductive season. This male made repeated attempts to enter, but was stopped mid-way each time as shown here, then rejected.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel perched on a small branch moments after it emerged from its nest after sunset to forage at night.
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  • During reproductive season, male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels vie for females. This male repeatedly entered a nest with a female inside, only to be kicked out each time, as shown here. In the process of being squeezed out of the nest, the male has dragged some of the soft nesting material along with him.
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  • Frequent, repeated defecation by Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels in favored locations results in accumulated droppings. As winter snow melts, embedded droppings dissolve, dripping down to become fertilizer for the relevant tree.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from the entrance to its nest just before a major snowstorm hit. The northwest side of the tree was already coated with snow, and the winds had picked up considerably. The squirrel decided not to emerge at the time.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel resting in a secure spot in the late afternoon.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel looking into the entrance of a nest with a female inside. During reproductive season, males often do this in hopes of find receptive females. In many instances, females approaching estrus are already accompanied by males. Conflicts between males often ensue.
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  • This is the moment when a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel inside the nest has heat-butted a potential rival male that was looking into the nest with the objective of gaining access to the female inside, which was approaching estrus. Even after being chased off, rival males like this often return to try again. Females sometimes choose to mate with multiple partners.
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  • This is a pair of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels mating. Copulation occurs multiple times over an extended period of time. This can happen inside the nest or outside, as shown here. Mating can take place in the day time or at night.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from its nest, just before emerging for an evening of foraging in the treetops.
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  • Pteromys volans flying squirrels often peek out from their nests prior to exiting. This behavior might serve to minimize risk of predation, as well as to allow the animal's eyes to acclimate to ambient light levels. Narrow apertures like this one provide protection from predators.
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  • This composite image shows a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating for a duration of about 20 seconds after it had emerged from its nest to forage.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel carrying a small branch of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) back to its nest. This individual had spent over an hour in the early morning at the top of 20m tall elm trees feasting on fresh buds. This branch is a take-away meal for enjoyment back home.
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  • Depicted here is the split-second prior to this Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel landing on a tree. The squirrel has adjusted its attitude in mid-flight toward a relatively vertical position to reduce speed. It has also folded its wings inward and stretched its limbs forward in preparation for grasping the tree ahead.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest early in the morning.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel perched at the top of a 20+m Japanese elm tree (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) early in the morning. Fresh buds of this elm species are one of the preferred foods of these squirrels.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel scratching his face on a branch while grooming himself early in the morning.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel enjoying an early morning scratch.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel enjoying a good scratch early one winter morning.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel making its final approach back to the nest after foraging. The animal blends in perfectly with its environment, a snow-covered forest. The entrance to the nest is a narrow crack in the Erman's birch (Betula ermanii) tree.
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  • These four Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels emerged from a single nest at the same time, just before foraging. Simultaneous appearances like this are relatively uncommon.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest early in the morning.
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  • This is a head-on view of a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest early one winter morning.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel flying directly overhead.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating while perched in a safe place on a cloudy, overcast day.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel cleaning its whiskers while grooming itself.
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  • Just before a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel lands on a tree, the animals folds its wings inward and stretches its limbs toward the targeted tree. This serves to slow the animal's approach and also to prepare the animal to be able to move immediately upon landing.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel peeking out from its nest just after a major snowstorm. These animals prefer small and narrow entrances like this in order to prevent entry by potential predators.
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  • Shown here is the split-second when a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel makes contact with a tree upon landing. The squirrel first uses its hind limbs to gain a foothold, then secures its front limbs. The squirrel had been foraging during light snowfall.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel en route back to its nest after foraging at the top of 20m+ tall Japanese elm trees (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) for an extended period of time during snowfall. The squirrel is carrying a branch with fresh elm buds back to its nest—a takeaway meal to relish at home.
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel is eating fresh needles of a Sakhalin fir tree (Abies sachalinensis) during a light snowfall. One of the squirrel's teeth is visible from this angle.
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  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel feasting on a branch that she cut from a nearby Sakhalin fir tree (Abies sachalinensis).
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  • Portrait of a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel taken moments before it launched from the tree
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest.
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  • Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels are usually nocturnal. This one was active during the day, as shown here. Diurnal activity like this is not common. This unusual behavior may have been an adaptation to the presence of a pair of Ural owls.
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  • Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels often have favored locations for defecation.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel gliding through the forest in the early morning.
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel is peeking out of the entrance to its nest prior to emerging to forage.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel consuming snow for moisture. This behavior seems to take place most often after foraging.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel sitting in a favorite spot during an overcast winter morning.
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had just pulled its face out of the snow. It had been digging in search of food that it had previously gathered and buried for future consumption.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel enjoying a good scratch.
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  • Close-up view of a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel finishing off a meal of male catkins from an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii)
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel consuming male catkins from an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii).
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel has just started to consume male catkins from an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii).
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  • Individual Pteromys volans flying squirrels seem to have favored perches such as this. This individual visited this spot often, sometimes just to sit, sometimes to eat, often as a stopover before gliding to other trees to forage.
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel is enjoying a meal of male catkins from an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii).
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel eating a male catkin from an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii) on a snowy day.
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  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel sitting at the entrance to her nest.
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  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel looking out from the entrance to her nest.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel sitting at the entrance to his nest.
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  • The Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel inside the nest has brought a few sticks of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) back at the end of foraging to enjoy before going inside. Sensing opportunity, the other occupant of the nest has also returned, hoping to share in the bounty. A squabble ensued.
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel has carried a few sticks of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) back to its nest at the end of foraging to enjoy a takeaway meal before going inside.
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  • The two Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels pictured here had just emerged from their nest, taking a moment here prior to foraging. This pair mated 35 days after this photo was taken. One of the pair was taken by a northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) about a week after mating took place. The survivor left the nest, most likely joining other individuals in another nest.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel consuming snow for moisture after an extended period of foraging.
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel is relishing fresh buds of a small branch from a Japanese elm tree (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica).
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  • This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel is enjoying a meal of male catkins from an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii).
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is an unusual behavior. This Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel had stashed food in an unused bird's nest at some point. On this overcast day, the squirrel plucked out and consumed male catkins of an Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), one after another, until the food stash was exhausted.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • Depicted here is the split-second prior to this Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel landing on a tree. The squirrel's limbs are stretched forward to brace for impact and to ensure that the animal can move immediately when it makes contact.
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  • This is a female Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel that has brought back a few small branches of an Erman's birch tree (Betula ermanii) to her nest as a takeaway meal.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel making his appearance in the late afternoon, just before heading up into the treetops to forage.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel sitting in a favorite spot on a sunny day, looking down upon his surroundings.
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  • This composite image shows the landing sequence of a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel, covering a distance of about 4m in less than half a second. This implies an average flight speed in the range of 30-35kph. The squirrel launched from a higher point on a nearby tree, gliding downward to cover distance, then pulling up as shown here to land on the targeted tree. Note that the distance traveled between frames decreases as the squirrel approaches the tree, indicating deceleration as the animal shifts from horizontal to vertical attitude.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel enjoying a meal of Japanese elm buds (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) while perched more than 20m above the ground. Note the squirrel's perfect balance while seated at the end of tiny branches.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel pausing in a favored spot after emerging from its nest, just prior to ascending to the treetops to forage. There is snow in the background. The soft, cool light is from the setting sun.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel leaning down to consume snow for moisture.
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  • Pictured here are male catkins of an Alnus japonica elder tree together with female cones. The male catkins comprise many flowers, which produce pollen to pollinate female catkins. Once pollinated, the female catkins develop into woody false cones as seen here. In the autumn the scales of the cones open and disperse their seeds. Male catkins of this species are among the favorite foods of Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels.
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  • These are male catkins of an East Asian alder tree (Alnus japonica). These catkins are highly prized food among Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels.
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  • Pictured here, buds of Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica) are one of the favored foods of Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrels in Japan.
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  • This Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) has just emerged from its nest at dusk, before setting out for a night of a foraging in the tree tops.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel gliding across the top of the tree canopy after sunset. The moon is visible, six days prior to being full. This individual was part of a ruckus of reproductive season activity stretching over many hours that involved two females and three males.
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  • This is a pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii). The one in front is male. The one peeking out from behind is female. They are situated at the top entrance to their nest, caressed by warm light from the setting winter sun. This pair mated several times throughout the day. There was another male in the area, a challenger. The female mated with the other male as well, when this one was not looking.
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  • When female Pteromys volans orii squirrels go into estrus, there is usually a primary male with her. He fends off challengers and does his best to monopolize copulation opportunities. Females will mate with other males when the opportunity arises however. Here, the female has snuck out to copulate with another male. The primary male has just realized what is happening and has rushed out of the den to confront the interloper.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel flying through the forest during a flurry of activity involving five individuals, two females and three males. The two females were in estrus.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel male perched at the top entrance to a nest. On this day, he was guarding a female inside the nest. She was in estrus, and the male was warding off other males. This pair mated several times throughout the day, but the female also mated with another male while this one was unaware. This photo is third in a series of three which illustrate the height of the nest.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel male perched at the top entrance to a nest. On this day, he was guarding a female inside the nest. She was in estrus, and the male was warding off other males. This pair mated several times throughout the day, but the female also mated with another male while this one was unaware. This photo is first in a series of three which illustrate the height of the nest.
    japanese-flying-squirrel-pteromys-vo...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii Japanese dwarf flying squirrel male perched at the top entrance to a nest. On this day, he was guarding a female inside the nest. She was in estrus, and the male was warding off other males. This pair mated several times throughout the day, but the female also mated with another male while this one was unaware. This photo is one in a series of three which illustrate the height of the nest.
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  • Pictured here is a pair of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (Pteromys volans orii) shortly before mating. The female is in front. She has lifted her tail, letting the male check her status by smell. They mated one hour after this photo was taken. This perch is stained with urine, and there are feces visible. This is an indication that it is frequented by these and possibly other flying squirrels.
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  • This is a male Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel perched in a safe location high up in the canopy. Behind this knot in the tree was the nest. The squirrel was positioned at the top entrance to the nest, which gave him the ideal vantage point from which to survey the surroundings and keep a lookout for two rival males that were attempting to get the attention of the female inside. Many battles ensued, with much chasing and lots of flying.
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  • Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels often have preferred places for defecation. Finding droppings like this is a sign that there are flying squirrels nearby. Dropping piles this large are unusual.
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  • Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels often have preferred places for defecation. Finding droppings like this is a sign that there are flying squirrels nearby. Dropping piles this large are unusual.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating, having assumed a comfortable seated position at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. It is clear from the dark trail below the droppings that the residents of this nest also urinate here. This is unusual. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves outside, some distance from their nests.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel urinating, having braced itself at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. A stream of urine is visible flowing down the darkened trench beneath the pile of defecation. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves someplace removed from their nests. This behavior is unusual.
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  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel urinating, having braced itself at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. A stream of urine is visible flowing down the darkened trench beneath the pile of defecation. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves someplace removed from their nests. This behavior is unusual.
    pteromys-volans-orii-flying-squirrel...tif
  • This is a Pteromys volans orii flying squirrel defecating, having assumed a comfortable seated position at the entrance of its nest for the purpose. It is clear from the dark trail below the droppings that the residents of this nest also urinate here. This is unusual. In most cases, these squirrels relieve themselves outside, some distance from their nests.
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  • This is a pair of mating Pteromys volans orii flying squirrels engaged in copulation on a cold winter day.
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  • This is a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) flying through the forest on a cold winter day. Usually nocturnal, these animals sometimes become active in the day during reproductive season.
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  • This Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys volans orii) has just emerged from its nest during daylight hours. Although these animals are nocturnal, they sometimes come out during the day.
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