Mammal Web Page

A WEB PAGE ON: NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS

By Andrew D.

The Northern Flying Squirrel
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Glaucomys_sabrinus.html
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Sub-Phylum	Vertebrata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Rodentia
Family	Sciuridae
Genus	Glaucomys
Species	sabrinus

Description of The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel's fur color varies from a silky gray to a cinnamon brown color, with white/gray belly hairs. A furred membrane stretching from the wrists of the front feet to the ankles of the hind feet allows it to glide around. The tail is flattened and takes up 80% of the total head & body length. It has large black eyes for night activity. The northern flying squirrel is larger than the southern.

Habitat of The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel is usually found in areas dominated by coniferous trees, but are abundant in all kinds of forests. They nest in trees, about 1-18 meters above the ground. The nests are made of twigs and bark, and are softened by feathers, fur, leaves, and conifer needles.

Range of The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel lives from the tree line in Alaska & Canada, to Northwestern California & Colorado, to central Michigan & Wisconsin to northeastern N. Carolina & Tennessee.

Food Habits of The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel's diet includes nuts, acorns, lichens, and the occasional fruits, buds, sap, and maybe a bug or a bird egg. Flying squirrels are believed to cache their food, but this has not been proven.

Life Cycle of The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel's courtship begins in March, and ends in late May. They only have one litter per year, usually consisting of 2-4 young. The female raises the young with no help from the male. The female is pregnant for 37-42 days. The newborn are mature enough to breed by the first summer after their birth. When born, the young squirrels weigh 5-6 grams, and have closed ears and eyes, fused toes, and a cylindrical tail. By the sixth day of their life, the toes are separated. By the first month, the eyes, and ears are open. In 40 days they are weaned. By 2 months the babies leave the nest. Life Span: 10 years

Life span found in: "Flying Squirrel." The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition. 30 vols.
Danbury, Connecticut: Scholastic Library, 1829.

Survival Needs of The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel's only needs are a coniferous, or mature, deciduous forest and food (see "Food Habits of the Northern Flying Squirrel").

Interesting Facts About The Northern Flying Squirrel

The Northern Flying Squirrel is a very interesting animal. Here are some facts.

Using membranes on their body, they can glide from tree to tree.
The average "flight" is 20 meters. .
Flights of 150-200 feet have been recorded.
Flying squirrels have been recorded flying in semi-circles.
In the diets of other squirrels, lichens and fungi are just supplements, but the NFS eats them normally.
At the end of their "flights" they put up their flat tails to keep them from running into trees.

Human Impact on The Northern Flying Squirrel

Unfortunately, humans do great damage to our flying friends. Traps set for weasels, and minks are sprung on them. Also, the squirrels nest in places where humans can harm them involuntarily.

References & Links

"Flying Squirrel." The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition. 30 vols.
Danbury, Connecticut: Scholastic Library, 1829.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Glaucomys_sabrinus.html

Description	Habitat	Range	Food	Life Cycle
Survival	Facts	Human Impact	References	Links