The females are devoted parents. They seldom leave the new- born young, defend them rigorously and will move the young to a new nest if disturbed. An accumulation of parasites in the nest may cause the female to move the young even if no other disturbances are present. Flying squirrels reach sexual maturity at about one year. They do not form tight pair-bonds.
Females frequently have different mates in subsequent breeding seasons.
Food Southern flying squirrels are primarily vegetarian, but will occasionally eat animal foods. Nuts, primarily acorns and hickory nuts, are preferred foods and make up the bulk of the diet. Flying squirrels will also consume various seeds, fruits, berries, mushrooms, buds, flower blossoms and tree bark. Animal items that occasionally may be eaten include insects, bird eggs and nestlings, small nestling mammals, carrion, and adult shrews and mice. Nuts are gathered and stored as winter approaches.