Photo: ©  2004 AAP/Grenville Turner

These night-loving, tree-dwelling marsupials are considered inquisitive, sociable, intelligent and great to watch in flight.

While they do have a sweet tooth by nature, some owners have taken to feeding them hot dogs and soft drinks, rather than eucalyptus nectar and insects.

Reports in today's News Limited papers say that is leading to gliders suffering malnourishment, chronic lethargy and broken bones.

"Sugar gliders are exploding right now but wild animals generally are not recommended as pets," the Humane Society's Beth Preiss told news.com.au.

The gliders can sell for over $5,000 in the US, but typically go for around $200.

They are not endangered, but in Australia, you need a permit to keep one as a pet.

A permit is not usually needed in the US, though they are banned as pets in California and a small number of other places.