The Cutest, Little Squirrels Ever Can Only Be Found On This One Island

Jun 18, 2019 by apost team

Think you know all about squirrels? Think again! This particular type of squirrel from Japan will astound you with its cuteness. The normal squirrels you see every day are nothing compared to these amazing critters.

According to Metro, a photographer moved to Hokkaido island off the coast of Japan where these squirrels are found. They're officially known as Ezo Momongas but are usually referred to as Japanese dwarf flying squirrels. With their tiny size – they typically don't even weigh a full pound – fluffy bodies, and giant eyes, they look more like a creature from a cartoon than something from real life. They're very real, though. They're also rarely seen. According to Animalia, a wildlife website, these flying squirrels are nocturnal and live in nests above the ground they're hardly ever seen on the forest floor. 

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Hokkaido is well-known for its super cute inhabitants like the Hokkaido crying rabbit, but the dwarf squirrel has to be the cutest. They're amongst the most difficult to spot as well. This is partly because they're so shy and partly because they spend their daylight hours asleep. To make them even cuter, these little animals eat in a very unusual way. They hang upside down on a branch when they are munching on their meals.  The sight of people tends to scare them away. Your chances of seeing one in person can get slightly better during their mating season. At this time, they congregate in groups around trees.

As chubby and adorable as these squirrels are, don't ever underestimate them. They're considered a breed of flying squirrel, which means they can jump and glide long distances. If you imagined that they're even sweeter with their little arms stretched out and their tubby bellies on display while they jump from tree branch to tree branch, you are absolutely right. Though the squirrels are confined to one location, they aren't endangered. They're thriving on Hokkaido.

What do you think? Are these Japanese flying squirrels the cutest animals you've ever seen or what? If you think someone else would enjoy learning about them, be sure to let them know!