These flying squirrels in Japan are one of the cutest animals on Earth

by

While Japan is famous for so many things, I am sure no one would ever thought Nippon to be home to one of the most adorable beings on our planet – the flying squirrels. Whether talking about the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel or the Siberian flying squirrel, these cute mammals will make you fall in love with them at first sight.

Their huge black eyes make them look just like Disney characters, but that’s because the flying squirrels are nocturnal mammals. Despite their name, these cute little things do not actually fly, but glide. They have a membrane called patagium from their front to their rear legs and with its help they can glide over 300 feet. They use this special function to reach another tree or when they’re in danger. They feed with seeds, small fruits or tree leaves.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

DANGO #tokyocameraclub #wildanimals #wildlife #アッカムイ #エゾモモンガ #可愛すぎる #cute

A post shared by 半田 菜摘 (@handa.natsumi) on

The Japanese dwarf flying squirrels can only be found on two Japanese islands, Honshu and Kyushu. These elusive creatures usually live in the alpine forests on the islands. Their tiny bodies could measure 13 inches from head to tail, which is more than 70% of their body.

The Siberian flying squirrel on the other hand are even smaller than their cousin. Native to the northern forest of Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Mongolia and of course Japan, they measure up to 5-8 inches and their tiny bodies don’t weigh more than 5,5 ounces. However, that comes as a big advantage when you’re about to hide in a very tight tree hole. The Siberian flying squirrel can be found on the northern island of Hokkaido.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Ezo momonga（Russian flying squirrel） Ezo momonga that lives in Hokkaido flies. Ezo Momonga flies, but it is different from flying birds. Ezo momonga spreads its limbs and jumps from branch to branch like a flying carpet. Ezo Momonga flies like a glider, so it’s cool! Ezo Momonga is cute at any time, whether it is flying or eating food. You can meet Ezo Momonga at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo. Let’s go to Sapporo Maruyama Zoo! Photo:Gliding Ezo momonga Access to Maruyama Park and Maruyama Zoo To Maruyama Park, it takes about 5 minutes from Maruyama Koen Subway Station from Odori Station on the subway and about 5 minutes on foot from Maruyama Koen Subway Station to Maruyama Park. Maruyama Zoo can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot from Maruyama Koen Subway Station. Let’s go to Maruyama Park to see Ezo-Momonga ▶︎Click the Link!! To know more about this place, click the link to the homepage on this profile! #japan #hokkaido #sapporo #japanphotography #japanholiday　#exploringjapan #love_japan #tripjapan #visitjpn #japantravels #japantourism #japanexplorer #lovehokkaido #visit_japan #visithokkaido #trip_japan #exploresapporo #triphokkaido #explorehokkaido #hokkaidotravel #discoverhokkaido #trvelhokkaido #hokkaidophotographer #sapporofood #sapporotrip #sapporocity #sapporojapan #ezomomonga #maruyamazoo #maruyamapark

A post shared by TRIP HOKKAIDO (@trip_hokkaido.jp) on

Both subspecies are incredible hard to spot due to their small size, but also because they’re nocturnal. During daytime, these adorable beings are staying hidden in tree holes. Occasionally, moms and their siblings get out of their holes on daylight in search for food.  Some very patient wild photographers have managed to capture these cuties on camera and the results are heartwarming.

Spread the love