This Rarely-Seen Animal Could Be Emptying Your Bird Feeder At Night

If you're like other bird enthusiasts, you may have filled a bird feeder full of seed, hoping to get a peek at beautiful songbirds flocking to your yard or garden — only to wake up in the morning to find the feeder empty. While raccoons are the most likely guilty party, there's another rarely seen, and adorable, critter that could be responsible: flying squirrels. 

Most squirrel species eat nuts, insects, and mushrooms, but they are also attracted to easy meals around homes. Unfortunately, unless you have a night-vision security camera pointed towards your bird feeders, it's difficult to discern if flying squirrels are the culprits or if it's other pests that are attracted to the bird seed, such as mice and rats. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify flying squirrels around your property while also implementing some of the best ways to keep unwanted pests out of your bird feeder.

Flying squirrels are fascinating creatures that have different acrobatic-like qualities from other squirrel species that exclusively climb and jump. As their name suggests, flying squirrels can launch themselves between objects at great distances, sometimes up to 250 feet at a time. Also, unlike their gray squirrel counterparts, flying squirrels can literally glide to a target such as a bird feeder, all without having to climb from the ground. 

The problem is, you're unlikely to see flying squirrels feasting on seed from your bird feeders because they are nocturnal creatures. However, you may be able to spot them on a security camera, especially since they tend to travel and eat in groups. Unfortunately, another way you can tell flying squirrels might be hanging around your bird feeders is if you have signs of pests invading your attic, shed, or garage spaces for nesting purposes.

Once a flying squirrel (or any other squirrel species) has identified your bird feeder as a reliable food source, it can be difficult to get them to stop feeding from them. While not 100% guaranteed, you can try investing in one of many top-rated squirrel-proof bird feeders as your first line of defense. Some homeowners have also reported some success with adding domes as a trick to keep squirrels out of bird feeders while also adding curb appeal. Also called baffles, these barriers are placed on top of poles over the feeders, and are intended to keep squirrels out, though they may still find their way to the bird seed. You can also place feeders away from the line of sight of a tree where a flying squirrel could possibly reach it with ease. Another option may be to take the feeders in at night to help prevent nocturnal pests from eating up all the seed.

Other steps to deter flying squirrels don't involve the bird feeders at all. First, you can try luring the squirrels away with other treats placed far away from the feeders in your yard or garden. In theory, this could keep flying squirrels happy and full so they ignore the bird feeders. Do not try to get rid of these squirrels yourself, as they are considered protected species in certain regions. If you have a pest problem, consider calling a professional for help.