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22 Photos Of Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrels That Are Beyond Adorable

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Some say that perfection doesn't exist. But I have to be honest—after seeing this adorable little ball of fluff, I'm not sure if it's true anymore.

This cutie is called a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel and it sort of looks like a real-life Pokemon. These incredible-looking creatures are native to Japan, where they inhabit sub-alpine and boreal evergreen forests on Honshu and Kyushu islands. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is quite small—its body is usually 6 to 8 inches long and it also has an adorable little tail that is 4 to 6 inches long.

Apparently, during the day, these creatures hide in a hole, usually in a coniferous tree, emerging at night to snack on some buds, leaves, bark, fruits, and seeds.

Bored Panda invites you to look at some of the most adorable photos capturing Japanese dwarf flying squirrels that were taken by nature and wildlife photographer Handa Natsumi.

More info: Instagram

This post may include affiliate links.

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Final score:

85points

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Final score:

72points

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Final score:

67points

"Despite the common name, this unique squirrel doesn't fly. Instead, it glides with a membrane, stretching from its forelimbs to hind limbs and covered with fur. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is known to glide long distances of up to 100 meters at a time, using this ability to move between trees or escape predators," writes Animalia.

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66points

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65points

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Turns out, these adorable little creatures mate twice a year, usually from May to July. Their gestation period lasts about 4 weeks, yielding 2 to 3 offspring on average, sometimes up to 5 per litter.

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Final score:

63points

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59points

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56points

According to Animalia, "newborn squirrels are nursed by their mother for the first 6 weeks of their lives. Females are known to be very attentive to their offspring, grooming and caring for the young. As it comes to males, there is no information whether they participate in parental care."

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Final score:

54points

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50points

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48points

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47points

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Final score:

38points

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#16

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 半田菜摘 (@handa.natsumi) on Feb 27, 2018 at 6:12am PST

Final score:

38points

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Final score:

33points

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32points

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31points

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Final score:

31points

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Final score:

30points

#22

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 半田菜摘 (@handa.natsumi) on Feb 28, 2019 at 11:09pm PST

Final score:

24points

Laima

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

Julija Svidraitė

Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

Julija Svidraitė is an editor here at Bored Panda who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Before starting her journey at BP, she had worked as a social media specialist at a marketing agency. She has also tried herself in a few different fields working as an intern: from practicing graphic design at a social media marketing agency, to being an assistant at a psychiatric hospital. Besides writing, Julija is also very passionate about illustrating, drinking coffee, and watching crime documentaries. You can find her in Bored Panda Office or reach her at julija.s@boredpanda.com.

What do you think ?

Raine Soo 4 years ago (edited)

Of course these squirrels are Japanese. I think I now know how the Japanese can make things so 'kawaii'. They can take inspiration from nature. These little critters are adorable.

12points

postboredom 4 years ago

I am going to bookmark this page to see whenever i feel depressed

6points

Ezigma 4 years ago

If only that had that option

2points

Load More Replies...

Dana Grunwald 4 years ago

I just died from cuteness overload 😬😍

6points

Load More Comments

Raine Soo 4 years ago (edited)

Of course these squirrels are Japanese. I think I now know how the Japanese can make things so 'kawaii'. They can take inspiration from nature. These little critters are adorable.

12points

postboredom 4 years ago

I am going to bookmark this page to see whenever i feel depressed

6points

Ezigma 4 years ago

If only that had that option

2points

Load More Replies...

Dana Grunwald 4 years ago

I just died from cuteness overload 😬😍

6points

Load More Comments

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