In the winter forests of Hokkaido, an adorable animal is offering a little prayer. A photo of a flying squirrel posted on social media has become a hot topic, with people saying it's "too cute!"

I hope I get a cute girlfriend 🙏 #Siberian flying squirrel

Quoted from @hayakawa0622's post

With his eyes closed, the Siberian flying squirrel looks as if he is desperately praying for something. The adorable pose of his round body and small hands clasped together has generated heartwarming comments on social media such as "So cute," "What an expression," and "It'd be nice if he got a girlfriend."

You can also see the playful Siberian flying squirrel holding dead leaves in its mouth.

This photo was taken by nature photographer Tokuyuki Hayakawa. Siberian flying squirrels are usually nocturnal, but during breeding season they can be seen during the day, as in the photo. Other lively scenes captured on camera include a playful pose with snow around its mouth, and one flying with dead leaves in its mouth.

Hayakawa photographs Hokkaido's wild animals

Hayakawa is a photographer who mainly photographs wild animals in Hokkaido. "I focus on photographing Siberian flying squirrels in the winter and orcas from spring to summer," he says. To photograph wild orcas, he travels about seven hours one way from Sapporo to the sea off Rausu in Shiretoko.

Hayakawa's X-account "Shiretoko Dream" posts feature many images of animals living in the great outdoors of Hokkaido. Why not experience the charm of Hokkaido through photos of wild animals living in the rich natural environment?