Rare, orphaned flying squirrel rescued, is being cared for by Think Wild in Bend
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, said Monday it recently admitted an orphaned northern flying squirrel for rehabilitation.
The young female squirrel was found on July 20, 2025, in the middle of a trail at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park near Bend. The finder initially thought the squirrel was deceased, but she began to move when approached, prompting the finder to contact Think Wild for assistance.
Here’s the organization’s full release on how the flying squirrel is doing:
At intake, the squirrel, estimated to be a few weeks old, was underweight, hypothermic, and showing signs of external parasites, including fly eggs on her back and tail. She also had mild dehydration, but no serious injuries.
After receiving an initial exam and treatment, she was placed in a heated incubator to regulate her body temperature and begin recovery.
This is the first time Think Wild has treated a flying squirrel patient, so staff contacted Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wildlife Care Center for treatment protocols.
Following these protocols, staff are offering the young squirrel five feedings a day, with a formula designed to support her growth and weight gain. As of last week, she has also begun eating solid food, including crushed rodent blocks, greens, and fruit.
Unlike their name suggests, flying squirrels do not truly “fly,” but glide from tree to tree, using a membrane that stretches between their limbs. They are nocturnal and primarily feed on plant material, tree sap, fungi, and small animals such as insects and bird eggs. They are typically found in old-growth forests, where they can nest high in the trees, away from predators.
“There are two species of flying squirrels in Oregon: the Humboldt’s flying squirrel and the northern flying squirrel. Recently documented as a new species in 2017, the Humboldt’s flying squirrel is typically smaller and darker, but the two species are very difficult to distinguish without genetic analysis, and work is still being done to accurately determine their distribution, says Kaly Adkins, ODFW’s regional wildlife diversity biologist.
“They are not commonly observed, due to their mostly nocturnal behavior and use of tree cavities for nesting,” Adkins said. “However, flying squirrels can be found in both hardwood and coniferous forests throughout Oregon.”
Bert Skillen, a local wildlife biologist, said, “Flying squirrels are fascinating creatures who play an essential role in maintaining the health of our forests. They help promote forest health by eating fungi, especially truffles, and dispersing the fungal spores throughout the forest with their droppings. These fungi are critical for trees to take up nutrients.
“Flying squirrels are also an important prey species for the endangered spotted owl,” Skillen added. “A fun fact is that flying squirrels do not hibernate, but they will congregate together in one nest tree in the winter to stay warm. As many as 50 flying squirrels have been found in one nest tree during the colder months – that’s a lot of cuteness in one place!”
Think Wild took in a rare, orphaned northern flying squirrel, seen at intake exam and being hand-fed formula, peering out from enclosure that simulates tree crevices
Adkins added, “Although this species faces threats of climate change, habitat loss and invasive species, (they are not) currently listed as a species of greatest conservation need in the state of Oregon.”
Though northern flying squirrels are not a species of immediate concern, successful rehabilitation of this young patient will help her continue her important role in maintaining forest health and supporting the ecosystem, Think Wild says. She will continue to receive care under strict protocols designed to promote weight gain and independence. Once she is strong enough, the goal is to release her back into her natural habitat.
To support the care of this young flying squirrel and other patients like her, Think Wild invites the community to make a donation to the nonprofit wildlife center. Contributions are tax-deductible and help cover food, medical treatment and housing needs.
Donations directly support the rehabilitation of Central Oregon’s native wildlife and can be made at www.thinkwildco.org/support-us/donate.
About Think Wild
Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation, outreach and education, and conservation. We provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. Wildlife conflicts or injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at (541) 241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit us online at thinkwildco.org, or on Instagram or Facebook @thinkwildco.