If you are feeling adventurous and grab a torch you may just discover a furry little surprise in your own trees.

Residents and visitors of Tea Gardens Hawks Nest are among some of the privileged Australians who have families of squirrel gliders living amongst them.

The squirrel gliders look similar to the more common sugar glider but are about twice the size and as their name suggests can glide up to 50m from tree to tree.

Gliding is made possible by a membrane from the fifth finger to the first toe.

Gliders require a varied open forest type habitat and often feed on sap of mid-storey plants such as acacias (wattles), eucalypts and occasionally insects.

The squirrel glider is considered a vulnerable and threatened species throughout NSW.

Normally squirrel gliders are a rare sight in residential areas but Tea Gardens Hawks Nest has suitably forested reserves of habitat within our towns.

Pockets of land with old growth trees including Limekilns, Jimmy’s Beach and the reserve on the corner of Tuloa Ave and Mirreen St Hawks Nest are hot spots for sightings.

If you would like to catch a glimpse of these special little mammals, unlike most other Australians you do not have far to go.

Just set out for a quiet night of spotlighting in your own street.

If you find a sick or injured native animal call Great Lakes Wildlife Rescue on their 24-hour number 4997 6388.