Last week when I did my post on National Vet Tech Week,  I mentioned that one of my favorite animals to see was the Sugar Glider. Some of you asked what a Sugar Glider is so here you go:)

Sugar Glider photo courtesy of Google images

A Sugar Glider, also known as Sugar Bears and Honey Gliders, are small marsupials similar in appearance to a flying squirrel. They are native to Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea and have become very popular in the United States, Canada and Japan over the last few years.
At this time they are legal to own as domestic pets in 46 of the 48 states, with Pennsylvania and California being the only exemptions.
(this info taken from the Sugar Glider Care Guide with permission, this info may have changed without my knowledge)

Sugar Gliders are commonly known as “pocket pets” due to the fact that they like to cuddle and curl up with their owners in shirt pockets or pouches.

With proper care and nutrition sugar gliders can live between 12-15 years in captivity. Adult sugar gliders will usually reach 5-6 inches in length, with a tail of equal length and weighs between 3-6 ounces.

The first time I saw a sugar glider I wanted one. I wanted one for about 24 hours. Then I learned about how much time and care that they require. With 2 kids, 3 dogs and a house to take care of, I don’t have the time that a sugar glider needs.

Sugar Glider photo courtesy of Google images

While extremely cute, sugar gliders are highly social animals and it is recommend that they be kept in groups of two or more if possible. If housed alone, owners need to be prepared to interact with them to provide companionship.
A sugar glider is definitely not a pet for everyone and a lot of careful research should be done before bringing one into your home.

Please note that I am in NO way an expert on sugar gliders and I do not claim to be. I have seen them a few times at work and had the pleasure to assist the vet when she examined them.
To learn more about the sugar glider you can visit The North American Sugar Glider Association