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Northern Flying Squirrels are small and generally grayish brown in color with a white belly. They measure between 26 - 35 cm total in length with a tail length of 11 - 18 cm. Their gentle appearance is attributed to their large dark ayes and round face. Northern Flying Squirrels molt twice each year, once in May or June, and again beginning in September. Interestingly enough, the tail only molts once each year in the summer.
They are nocturnal and unless deliberately or accidentally aroused, do not move about by day, so finding one is very difficult. Northern Flying Squirrels typically make nests out of shredded bark in abandoned woodpecker or other similar holes. Female flying squirrels typically have one litter per year, with 2 to 5 young. They feed on nuts and seeds, but will also eat insects.
Flying Squirrels don't actually fly; they glide and can travel over 70 metres from trees to the ground. They glide using a fold of skin growing out from each side that attaches to their wrists and ankles. Their large flat tail acts like a rudder to help glide them down to the ground.
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FLYING SQUIRREL
(Family Sciuridae)
Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) |
