Conservation // 1 min Read

The Other “Flying” Mammal

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Most everyone that visits Palmetto Bluff has become well acquainted with the gray and fox squirrels that roam the property. However, much to people’s surprise, the Bluff is also home to the elusive flying squirrel! Nocturnal like bats, flying squirrels are active when most of us have gone inside for the evening. But unlike bats, they are not true fliers, instead, these aerial acrobats use excess skin between their front and back legs to form their own furry wingsuit to glide from one tree to another.

While they are hard to find, the Conservancy encounters flying squirrels quite regularly – sometimes even bi-weekly! This is because the Conservancy’s bluebird boxes and cavity nest boxes are perfect places for flying squirrels to roost during the day. While it is adorable to see one of these bug-eyed acrobats, they are not the kindest to birds found within the box. The most carnivorous of the local squirrel species, eating much of the same food as gray and fox squirrels, they also eat birds, eggs, and sometimes even carrion! To protect your birdhouse, a metal portal protector around the opening can help prevent a nasty experience.

For people that wish to encounter flying squirrels, spend some time on the porch at night and listen for what sounds like a bird chirping among the trees. Those are actually flying squirrels! Another good way to potentially see this elusive species is while driving down Old Palmetto Bluff Road at night. Flying squirrels will appear as gray flashes near the top of your windshield as they glide across the road, possibly going after an insect illuminated by the headlights. Though if you are trying this course, make sure to keep your eyes ahead of you for any wildlife attempting to cross the road.

Flying Squirrel=

Club Life
A New Year, A Fresh Beginning

Before you let your New Year’s resolutions quietly fade, remember this: there are still eleven months ahead. Plenty of time. Plenty of possibilities. This year offers a different approach—one inspired by connection and support. At Palmetto Bluff, you’re sur...

Jan 2026

Club Life
Anson Point In Action

The newest golf experience at Palmetto Bluff is already drawing rave reviews. As the third pillar of golf experience at Palmetto Bluff, Anson Point brings with it a certain lofty set of expectations. After all, it’s hard to follow something like May River G...

Jan 2026

Club Life
Anson Point: Watch A Legend Come To Life

“It's the thrill of being involved in the creation, and it’s the gratification of watching that creation evolve in the manner which you’d hoped”.Bill Coore, Coore & Crenshaw Golf Course Architectshttps://vimeo.com/1155713833?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=c...

Jan 2026

Architecture & Design
Palette Shift

From punchy pastels to saturated jewel tones, color is breaking free of its neutral confines. In these artful Lowcountry homes, design becomes a joyful expression of personality and place.Story by Barry Kaufman / Photographs by Kelli Boyd and Nicole CohenInter...

Jan 2026

Culture
Chef Beth’s Southern Sausage & Sage Stuffing

Warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting, Chef Beth’s Southern Sausage & Sage Stuffing is a holiday classic that brings together rich pork sausage, fresh herbs, and toasted bread for the ultimate savory side dish. Studded with green apples and aromatic vegeta...

Dec 2025

Conservation
Naturally Festive: Palmetto Bluff’s Native Pines and Berries

As December settles over Palmetto Bluff, it brings softer light, cooler mornings, and the natural beauty of native evergreens and winter berries that define the Lowcountry landscape. Palmetto Bluff Conservancy’s Education and Outreach Manager, Aaron Palmieri, ...

Dec 2025

Club Life
2025: A Year of New Beginnings and Continued Discovery

In 2025, Palmetto Bluff welcomed new neighbors and old friends, groundbreakings, and long-awaited openings. From inspired Club gatherings and elevated programming to the creation of our latest golf course, the year was defined by connection and excitement for ...

Dec 2025

Real Estate
Three Homes With Views to Elevate Mind & Mood

There is something serene about waking up to shimmering water, the stillness of the woods, or the sweep of marsh and sky right outside your window. Even without stepping outside, science shows that simply seeing nature from home can meaningfully improve mental...

Dec 2025
Palmetto bluff homes for sale

Real Estate
The Top 8 Benefits of Building on a Homesite

The Ultimate Choice: Building vs Buying a Home in Palmetto Bluff  For those searching for  Palmetto Bluff homes for sale, this common question often arises: Should you choose an existing residence, or embrace the opportunity to build your own? While a complet...

Nov 2025
south carolina winter

Culture
How to Spend a Winter Day in the Lowcountry

A Complete Guide to South Carolina Winter at Palmetto Bluff  South Carolina's winter is unlike any other on the East Coast. While many travelers search for “South Carolina winter” expecting cooler temperatures and limited outdoor options, the Lowcountry revea...

Nov 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us