Endangered subspecies of northern flying squirrel restricted to coastal plain forests of NE US. Habitat loss has reduced populations significantly.

Also called: Northern Flying Squirrel

Native status: Native; subspecies federally listed

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 14–18 cm; tail 11–17 cm
Weight80–150 g
LifespanWild 4–6 years
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. Small flying squirrel with patagium (gliding membrane); brown back, white belly; flat tail.

Similar species. Southern Flying Squirrel (smaller).

Voice. Chirps; some ultrasonic.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Lichens, fungi, conifer seeds, occasional insects.

Behavior. West Virginia population (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) federally endangered. Restricted to high-elevation red spruce forests.

§ Range

Northeastern US Coastal Plain

§ Habitat

Coniferous and mixed forests

§ Threats

Forest loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the northern flying squirrel (subspecies) is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support northeastern forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel Recovery
  • IUCN Red List 2016