A nocturnal forest mammal that doesn't actually fly but glides up to 150 feet between trees using a furry membrane (patagium) stretched between its limbs. Most people never see them — even where they're common.

Also called: Flying Squirrel

Native status: Native; declining in southern populations

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 16–22 cm (6.3–8.7 in); tail 13–18 cm
Weight75–140 g (2.6–4.9 oz)
LifespanWild 5 years; captive 13
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

§ Encyclopedia

The northern flying squirrel is one of three species of the genus Glaucomys, the only flying squirrels found in North America. They are found in coniferous and mixed coniferous forests across much of Canada, from Alaska to Nova Scotia, and south to the mountains of North Carolina and west to Utah in the United States. They are light brown with pale underparts and grow to a length of 25 to 37 cm. They are proficient gliders but uncoordinated walkers on the ground. They feed on a variety of plant material as well as tree sap, fungi, insects, carrion, bird eggs and nestlings. They mostly breed once a year in a cavity lined with lichen or other soft material. Except when they have young, they change nests frequently, and in winter a number of individuals may huddle together in a shared nest. Unlike most members of their family, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal.

Source: Wikipedia — Northern flying squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Soft gray-brown body with paler belly; large dark eyes; skin flap (patagium) along sides.

Similar species. Southern Flying Squirrel (smaller). Eastern Gray Squirrel (no patagium, diurnal).

Voice. High-pitched chirps; ultrasonic calls audible only to specialized recorders.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Nuts, seeds, fungi, fruits, occasionally bird eggs and nestlings.

Behavior. Strictly nocturnal. Glides between trees on patagia (skin flaps) at distances up to 80 m. Communal winter dens of up to 20 individuals.

§ Range

Across Canada, northeastern US, mountain ranges south to Tennessee

§ Habitat

Mature coniferous and mixed forests

§ Threats

Loss of mature coniferous forest, climate-driven displacement by southern flying squirrels (which carry parasites lethal to northern flyers).

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the northern flying squirrel is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support old-growth conservation. Install nest boxes in mature forest. Reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • National Park Service
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2016