Photo: Courtesy of the Plymouth Police Department.
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — It was a rare interaction in Plymouth on Sunday, as a Northern Flying Squirrel decided to nestle in with a police officer while he was directing traffic.
According to the Plymouth Police Department, Officer Andrew Whelan the flying squirrel, which he promptly named "Snookems," came right at him looking to play.
Photo: Courtesy of the Plymouth Police Department.
"Rumor has it, When Officer Whelan goes on Patrol, Snookems might be in his pocket," the PPD said on Facebook.
But it turns out, even spotting a Northern Flying Squirrel in Massachusetts is not an easy task, let alone interacting with one. According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, prior to 2015, the presence of Northern Flying Squirrel hadn't been confirmed in the state for over four decades, as the region is considered the southernmost portion of their habitat range.
Read More: "Go Green On Black Friday" Hikes Were Available Across The Commonwealth
Most of these squirrels prefer coniferous and mixed hardwood forests with old dead trees to act as nesting holes for the flying mammals. Snookems landing on Officer Whelan is well within its capabilities, as the species has been known to cover more than 150 feet in a single glide.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App