Seeing a flying squirrel leaping from treetop to treetop is, in itself, a rare and breathtaking opportunity. A man walking around Cedar Mountain in southern Utah recently got that opportunity, but what occurred was more alarming than breathtaking.

Upon launching herself from the tree, the Northern flying squirrel dropped to the ground like a stone and was unable to stand. Thankfully, the man happened to be there, and he was kind enough to scoop the squirrel up and drive her to Wild Friends, the wildlife rehabilitation center at Best Friends.

I'm on the mend.

Of course, the Northern flying squirrel doesn’t so much fly from tree to tree as leap and glide. Wild Friends manager Carmen Smith believes that the squirrel, when launching herself off the tree, pulled a groin, rendering her immobilized in her back end and unable to spread the membrane stretching between her front and hind legs, which allows flying squirrels to glide

Not sure yet what had immobilized the squirrel’s hind, Carmen and Best Friends veterinarian Dr. Debra Nicholson X-rayed the squirrel, and could find no fractures, leading them to believe that she had simply pulled a muscle. Considering the squirrel was unable to even get up, they also assumed she was in a great deal of pain, which they treated with pain killers.

Over the course of a few weeks, the squirrel slowly but surely regained the use of her legs, and she’s now once again standing and mobile, ready to glide again.

Story by Ted Brewer
Photos by Sarah Ause

You can help make a difference for the other animals in need of rehabilitation at Best Friends by sponsoring one of the Wild Friends residents.

October 31, 2009 : 6:15 PM ET
posted by: pati

Britgodiva...have you found out how the squirrel got in and sealed it up to prevent any more from getting in? I put chimney caps on right after I bought my house to stop birds and bats from going down the chimney. God's creatures can't really tell the difference between our homes and something natural. We need to be better caretakers of this planet. My heart hurts daily for the pain and suffering that humans cause on this planet. I'm glad this little being will have another chance to live the life God intended thanks to the kind person who took notice and did something about it.

October 31, 2009 : 12:38 PM ET
posted by: ginamomary

Thank you to the boy and his grandma for taking the time to care about this tiny creature. What a wonderful example to set for him! Every life is worth the time and the love and the caring. Thanks BF for always being there to provide all 3 of those components.

October 30, 2009 : 9:09 AM ET
posted by: Britgodiva

How lucky there was someone there to help. We have a weekend house in the country and a few months ago entered and found a dead flying squirrel lying on the living room floor. We have been so upset to think that little creature was trapped and died a lingering death. We buried him in the back yard but I think of him every time we go up there. If only it had happened whilst we were there, we could have helped him.

October 29, 2009 : 10:31 PM ET
posted by: Sheila G Bourgeault

Flying squirrels are the best! It was surprising (and great fun) to discover that a colony of flying squirrels were happily ensconced in my attic (many years ago). However, with several cats in the house and the flying squirrels' penchant for curiosity, I found myself raising four little ones. I had to keep moving the habitrail farther and farther away from the bedrooms as they just enjoyed themselves quite noisily all night, every night. They were adorable and loved human contact. And they were eventually happily released to the wild ready to do their thing -- probably right back in my attic! I'm so glad this little one was rescued and is recovering. Thanks to all who were involved!

October 29, 2009 : 8:06 PM ET
posted by: squirrelmama

What a stunning animal and wonderful story. I am a licensed wildlife rehabber here in NY and years ago I was given a disabled southern Flying Squirrel (the species here in NY) who suffered a similar injury. It was a beautiful female who had, apparently, just weaned off her litter (as far as we could tell from the vets' exam) and I am relieved to know that people are always on the lookout for the tiniest and the most helpless. I don't think either your flying squirrel or my flying squirrel would have made it without people who care to look down at their feet....and then care to pick up a small creature in need and do something about it.

October 28, 2009 : 12:53 PM ET
posted by: erins

It was a boy who saw the fall. The boy and his grandmother were kind enough to rush him down here to Wild Friends. Thanks :)

October 28, 2009 : 11:40 AM ET
posted by: marys

Truly amazing when you think of giving pain meds to a cutie this tiny. Thank goodness for rescuers and for Wild Friends!!

October 27, 2009 : 2:24 PM ET
posted by: Kittycrazy

What a cutie!

October 27, 2009 : 2:23 PM ET
posted by: ktsmom

What a sweet story. Thank you to everyone who aided this helpless creature. Stories like this help restore my faith in mankind.

October 27, 2009 : 11:15 AM ET
posted by: snowflake

What a good guy to rescue the little critter!! Glad to hear she's on the mend and will soon be flying again! It's always so heartening to hear stories of kind people, since there are way too many of the others out there. Thanks, Mr. Hiker-Man!!!