Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)

Description

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Northern flying squirrel fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Northern flying squirrel description

The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is a long-whiskered, nocturnal mammal of forested areas in North America. Despite its somewhat misleading common name, the northern flying squirrel does not fly, and instead glides by extending a fold of skin that stretches from the wrists to the ankles, using the flattened tail as a rudder. The fur of this species is brown on the upperparts, fading to a buffy-white on the belly ⁽²⁾.

Also known as

Carolina flying squirrel.

Northern flying squirrel biology

The northern flying squirrel is considered to be among the most aerodynamically sophisticated of all gliding mammals ⁽³⁾, able to travel anywhere between 3 and 45 metres in a single glide ⁽⁴⁾. It uses this skill to travel between trees to feed on a variety of fungi and lichens in particular, although insects, nuts, buds, seeds and fruits are also eaten. The northern flying squirrel also spends a considerable amount of time feeding on the ground ⁽¹⁾. 

The northern flying squirrel maintains one of several dens throughout the year. In winter, this is often a cavity in a conifer tree, and, as this species does not hibernate, several individuals may share a nest to keep warm ⁽⁵⁾. During breeding, which occurs between February and July ⁽¹⁾, the female northern flying squirrel typically selects a den in lower parts of a tree. This species may shift between different den sites, even when rearing young ⁽⁵⁾. 

One or two litters of 2 to 6 young are born each season, after a gestation period of 37 to 42 days. The young are weaned at around 2 months and reach sexual maturity at 6 to 12 months ⁽¹⁾.

Northern flying squirrel range

Widespread across much of North America, the northern flying squirrel is found from Alaska, east through Canada to the eastern provinces, and south into parts of the United States interior. In the western U.S., the northern flying squirrel occurs as far south as southern California ⁽¹⁾.

Northern flying squirrel habitat

Despite having a preference for cool, moist, mature coniferous forest or mixed forest, the northern flying squirrel utilises a variety of different woodland habitats, including younger stands ⁽¹⁾ and warm, dry oak-pine forests at lower elevations ⁽²⁾. The northern flying squirrel frequently occupies tree cavities, leaf nests and underground burrows whilst nesting ⁽¹⁾.

Northern flying squirrel status

The northern flying squirrel is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List ⁽¹⁾.

Northern flying squirrel threats

The northern flying squirrel is common in much of its very large range and, consequently, is not at immediate risk of extinction ⁽¹⁾. There are no known major threats to this species at present, although declines of populations in the southern Appalachian Mountains led to it being listed as an Endangered Species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1985 ⁽⁶⁾. The main cause of this decline was habitat loss associated with forest clearing and recreational activities, although pollution and the introduction of exotic species have also negatively affected this species in the Appalachians ⁽²⁾.

Northern flying squirrel conservation

As the northern flying squirrel is most common in healthy forests that have not been heavily impacted by human activities such as logging or land clearing, the conservation and management of its habitat is crucial to its survival ⁽⁷⁾.

Find out more

Find out more about the northern flying squirrel:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
  http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/listedspecies/Carolina_northern_flying_squirrel.html

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This species information was authored as part of the ARKive and Universities Scheme.

Glossary

Gestation

The state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth.

Hibernate

Hibernation is a winter survival strategy in which an animal’s metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. While hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer.

Lichen

A composite organism made up of a fungus in a co-operative partnership with an alga. Owing to this partnership, lichens can thrive in harsh environments such as mountaintops and polar regions. Characteristically forms a crustlike or branching growth on rocks or tree trunks.

Nocturnal

Active at night.

References

1. IUCN Red List (July, 2011)
   http://www.iucnredlist.org/
2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northern flying squirrel (July, 2011)
   http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/listedspecies/Carolina_northern_flying_squirrel.html
3. Thorington, R.W.Jr., Darrow, K. and Anderson, C.G. (1998) Wing tip anatomy and aerodynamics in flying squirrels. Journal of Mammalogy, 79: 245- 250.
4. Vernes, K. and Hamilton, M.J. (2001) Gliding performance of the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) in mature mixed forest of eastern Canada. Journal of Mammalogy, 82: 1026-1033.
5. Carey, A.B., Wilson, T.M., Maguire, C.C. and Biswell, B.L. (1997) Dens of northern flying squirrels in the Pacific Northwest. Journal of Wildlife Management, 61: 684-699.
6. U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service. (1990) Appalachian Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomyss abrinus fuscus and Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, United States.
7. Loeb, S.C., Tainter, F.H. and Cázares, E. (2000) Habitat associations of hypogeous fungi in the southern Appalachians: implications for the endangered northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus). The American Midland Naturalist, 144: 286-296.