Artwork by Marcia Dockey Smith from The Flying Squirrel That Wouldn’t
Compleat Naturalist: Fascinated With Flying Squirrels
By Laura Mahan
What’s going on? Why is the birdseed disappearing at night? It can’t be a bear because the feeder is still intact.
Finally, we caught a glimpse of the culprit. A small furry creature with large, dark eyes peered around the edge of the feeder as the porch light shone into the darkness. A few weeks later, in broad daylight, those same dark eyes watched us from inside the birdhouse next to the driveway.
How interesting: A flying squirrel! This is an animal that is sure to capture the imagination, as it is one of the few mammals that “flies.” Although not capable of flight in the same way as birds or bats, it is able to glide from tree to tree with the aid of a furry, parachute-like membrane that stretches on either side of its body from wrist to ankle. During flight they are able to steer and control their glide path by using their tail and legs.
Flying squirrels are common across all of North Carolina. The more common species is the southern flying squirrel; the northern flying squirrel is rare here, found on only five or six high mountain ridges. This subspecies known as the Carolina northern flying squirrel is listed as a federally endangered species.
Cavity nesters, flying squirrels roost in tree holes in the winter, sometimes in large numbers. Trees have been found with as many as 50 flying squirrels holed up together. Their nest cavities are lined with finely chewed bark and grasses. Lichen, moss, and even feathers provide a soft bed.
Dr. Hal Mahan, biologist and co-owner of The Compleat Naturalist, chose the flying squirrel as the subject of his new children’s book titled The Flying Squirrel That Wouldn’t. Having previously authored a college textbook, Hal says he likes writing children’s books much more than academic tomes. He enjoys incorporating topics that would interest youngsters in science and nature, along with an ethical theme. His first title, The Cow That Meowed (currently not available), had a theme of tolerance. His latest book centers on bravery, with a flying squirrel named Tommy as its main character.
The Flying Squirrel That Wouldn’t is illustrated by Asheville artist Marcia Dockey Smith. Her soft watercolors add a gentleness to the book’s appearance, and help tell Hal’s whimsical story of Tommy and his family doing what flying squirrels do.
The Flying Squirrel That Wouldn’t is available at The Compleat Naturalist in historic Biltmore Village where Hal is working most days. Watch the store’s website for details on a book party and reception for Hal and Marcia later in August. Some of Marcia’s original paintings from the book will be on display at the event, as well as many of her other works.
Hal and Laura Mahan are owners of The Compleat Naturalist, located at 2 Brook Street in the Historic Biltmore Village. To learn more, visit compleatnaturalist.com or call 828.274.5430.
