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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
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Alison O'Brien-Muff 4 years ago
Hello, Handa! My name is Alison. I'm currently working on a fun animal facts book with National Geographic Kids called Critter Chat. One section of the book highlights the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel. Your photos are wonderful! Would you happen to have high-resolution images of the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel we could potentially license? I would be happy to send more details. Thank you & happy *almost* Spring! north.east.coast1@gmail.com Alison
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Erwin Botulix 5 years ago
I can't help but hear "WEEEEEEEEEEE!!!" when I look at this little guy
"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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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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Dorothy Cloud 5 years ago
Last person I read saying an animal was smiling got pounced on. But, I agree with you!
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Mme de Poppadom 5 years ago
OHAI. Wasn't expecting you so early. Let me just sweep up these nut shells first. Can I offer you some pine bark tea?
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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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Alison O'Brien-Muff 4 years ago
Hello, Handa! My name is Alison. I'm currently working on a fun animal facts book with National Geographic Kids called Critter Chat. One section of the book highlights the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel. Your photos are wonderful! Would you happen to have high-resolution images of the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel we could potentially license? I would be happy to send more details. Thank you & happy *almost* Spring! north.east.coast1@gmail.com Alison
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What do you think ?
Daria B 5 years ago
These are adorable, but "probably" an inspiration for Pokémon? First of all, it's pretty obvious where Pokémon gets inspired from, plus, it's a well known fact it all started with the very common children's hobby in Japan, of hunting, collecting and studying bugs and insects. It's literally mentioned everywhere.
Carol Roeder 5 years ago
OMG these little cutie's are beyond adorable!! Can you say 'Just too cute!'
Jeny Kennedy 5 years ago
I don't understand why we haven't started selectively breeding certain rodents until they reach the size of a mini-donkey and gain the temperament of Labrador. All I want is a large raccoon to ride around who worships me because I share my nachos with him. I would also accept an actual mini donkey.
Daria B 5 years ago
These are adorable, but "probably" an inspiration for Pokémon? First of all, it's pretty obvious where Pokémon gets inspired from, plus, it's a well known fact it all started with the very common children's hobby in Japan, of hunting, collecting and studying bugs and insects. It's literally mentioned everywhere.
Carol Roeder 5 years ago
OMG these little cutie's are beyond adorable!! Can you say 'Just too cute!'
Jeny Kennedy 5 years ago
I don't understand why we haven't started selectively breeding certain rodents until they reach the size of a mini-donkey and gain the temperament of Labrador. All I want is a large raccoon to ride around who worships me because I share my nachos with him. I would also accept an actual mini donkey.
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