What Is a Sugar Glider?

People who have never seen or even heard of sugar gliders are often at a loss for words when they finally see these adorable creatures.
I've met many people who have never encountered this animal before and the first question that they always ask me is: What in the world is that animal? Many people are surprised by the distinct physical characteristics of a sugar glider.
At first glance, this creature doesn't really come across as just a rodent or just a marsupial.
Did you know that gliders are very light weighted (weigh around 100 -150 gms) and is only about six inches long (can grow up to 8 inches depending on the gender)? They are native to Australia and Guinea and feed on insects and sugary items.
These charming creatures can glide though the air like a flying squirrel, thus the name "sugar glider".
A quick look at an adult glider will probably produce a little bewilderment, because this animal's head is shaped like a cat's head, but its eyes are mostly black and take up a large percentage of its face.
The snout of a flying opossums (alternate name)will produce mixed guesses.
The sugar glider's snout has some similarity to that of a common rodent, but it is short and its coloration is gentler and pinker, too.
As for the body of the glider, it may look like an ordinary squirrel from afar, but wait until it extends its gliding membranes.
When a glider decides to glide, it will look like a cross between a small furry kite, a bat, and a baby squirrel.
All these special characteristics make the sugar glider one of the most popular exotic pets in the United States today.
The attain sexual maturity at about one year, the male glider develops a large patch of glandular tissue on top of the head that is often mistaken for a large shell, but is really a scent gland to mark territory and attract females.
And if you have purchased a glider yourself, or if you plan to purchase one or two in the near future, you have to prepare yourself thoroughly because the welfare of a sugar glider starts at the point of purchase.
If you do think of getting one, make certain you know whether or not they are legal in your state.
At the present time they are not legal in Massachusetts, California and Georgia.
The U.
S.
Department of Agriculture must license dealers of Flying phalangers (alternate name) since they are classified as an exotic pet.
One more warning: Gliders are known to be very effective rodent killers, If you have gerbils, hamsters, rats, or even small snakes, keep them protected from your glider.
For more information click Sugar Glider care