VIDEO: Photographer Braves Winter Woods to Capture Tiny, Cute Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrels

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

Keishiro Shin photographs lots of animals, but Japanese dwarf flying squirrels are his favorite.

“They are adorable,” the 53-year-old told The Epoch Times. “But they are not just adorable, they are tough wild animals.”

Originally from Tokyo, Shin now lives in the Shiretoko area of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. He has to act fast when he spots flying squirrels since they are so tiny and quick, but he’s had a lot of practice. Living in a World Heritage site abundantly rich in nature, Shin’s goal isn’t simply to turn up with his camera and shoot. Instead, what he most enjoys is really getting to know his furry and feathered subjects up close and personal.

“When I moved to Shiretoko in 2010, I was shocked and fascinated by the great nature in this area,” he said.

After driving less than half an hour to the forest near his home, Shin takes his time observing the animal life all around him. The flying squirrels are nocturnal, but for a short period in winter, they appear during daylight, giving him the chance to watch their habits.

“At the beginning of winter, I walk around the forest with my snowshoes looking for new flying squirrel nests," he said.

Keishiro Shin Takes Adorable Photos of Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrels:

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

First, Shin looks for their tracks, which let him know where they go to find food, while their droppings reveal where their nest is located. After that, he sits patiently and waits, or sets a trail cam up to check if they’re really living there. Looking for nests is time-consuming, but the reward of seeing the little creatures emerge out of the nest he discovered himself makes it more than worth it.

“The first time I was able to shoot close up was so exciting,” Shin said.

First, he was captivated by their adorableness but soon grew to hold great respect and admiration for the way these small creatures manage to hold their own in the harsh conditions of winter, surrounded by predators.

“They don’t hibernate,” Shin said. “They nest in natural holes, or holes made by woodpeckers in the woods. When it’s cold, a group will huddle together in one nest for warmth.”

Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrels Come Out During the Day in the Wintertime, Which is When Shin Enjoys Photographing Them:

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

Due to their quick, stealthy nature and the fact they spend most of the year existing nocturnally, it can be hard to know they’re around. They’re also cautious by nature, and to get near one you have to be silent and slow.

“Once you make a big sound or fast movement, they’ll just glide away and be gone,” said the photographer.

Shin, who spends the period from spring to fall working as a reception manager in one of Shiretoko’s hotels, considers himself incredibly fortunate to live in a place photographers travel to from all over the world; such is the draw of its vibrant ecosystem.

“There are many animals in Shiretoko, including brown bears,“ he said. ”I get to see animals around my house. I see deer and foxes walking around even from my room.

“If you get on a boat, you get to see whales, dolphins, orcas. … In the winter, many Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles fly from Russia. It’s an incredible place.”

Shin Managed to Capture a Photo of a Japanese Dwarf Squirrel in Flight, and Video Recorded Them Feasting in a Winter Wonderland:

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

Wild animals are compelling above all others since they depend solely upon themselves for survival.

“They hunt or be hunted,“ he said. ”They live through tough weather, especially in winter. I want to show people that wild animals are independent and fascinating in every way.”

Since he’s so busy working during warmer seasons, he does most of his photography during winter, though he enjoys wildlife right through the year.

“I shoot every animal,” he said. “But I love flying squirrels the best.”

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

(Courtesy of Keishiro Shin)

Share your stories with us at [email protected], and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter