These adorable pint-sized flying squirrels are known for their big cartoon eyes, tiny build and extreme cuteness!
These cute critters are found in Japan (Japanese dwarf flying squirrel) and around Europe (Siberian flying squirrel).
The Japanese dwarf flying squirrels are only found on the Honshu and Kyushu islands of Japan. These nocturnal critters live in evergreen and alpine forests.
They are absolutely tiny, stretching up to 20cm long, with their tail alone reaching up to 14cm.
This means they can be very difficult to spot, especially since they blend into the trees due to their coloring.
We need to clear this up, but these squirrels don’t actually fly, they glide.
They prefer a diet of seeds, fruits and leaves. And they spend their days chilling in the tree crevices.
Although spotting them is a rare sight, their population is abundant and their population is not a concern.
Now, these little guys aren’t the only flying squirrel living in Japan. The Siberian flying squirrel also lives on the other side of the country.
Locally known as Ezo Momonga, they’re the same size as the Japanese squirrel, but their coloring is gray, instead of brown.
The Siberian flying squirrel lives all over Northern Europe, from the Baltic Sea to Siberia.
The species is so old, that it inhabits Japan now because it was their back when Japan was joined to Siberia before it broke off to form the island we know now as Japan.
These cute critters are also nocturnal and use crevices such as woodpecker holes to nest in.
They are both very similar in character, diet and looks.
Their cartoon-like features have made them fan favorites in Japan!
