ExploreMammals

Humboldt's Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys oregonensis

Humboldt's Flying Squirrel is a cute, fluffy animal that glides through the trees! They have big eyes and soft fur, and they love to eat nuts and fruits.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Humboldt's Flying Squirrel has soft, dense fur that is reddish-brown to dark brown on its back and a creamy white on its belly. It possesses large, dark eyes for excellent night vision and a distinctive, furry patagium extending from wrist to ankle, enabling its amazing glides.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusGlaucomys
Humboldt's Flying Squirrel
furry trait badgesocial trait badgearboreal trait badgegliding trait badge
Humboldt's Flying Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

Did you know they can turn their head almost 180 degrees backwards? Wow!

Their bushy tail acts like a rudder, helping them steer precisely during glides!

These squirrels can communicate using high-pitched chirps and squeaks in the dark.

They build cozy nests called 'dreys' inside tree holes for sleeping and raising babies.

Special abilities

Ability

Glide Master

Humboldt's Flying Squirrel can effortlessly glide between trees because of a furry skin membrane (patagium) that acts like a parachute.

Ability

Night Vision

Humboldt's Flying Squirrel has huge, dark eyes that help them see clearly in the dark, making it easy to find food and avoid predators at night.

Ability

Silent Mover

Humboldt's Flying Squirrel can move almost silently thanks to soft fur and padded feet, which helps them sneak up on insects or avoid being heard.

Ability

Winter Hoarder

Humboldt's Flying Squirrel has a talent for storing extra food in tree cavities, which helps them survive when food is scarce in colder months.

Measurements & details

Length
14-17 cm
Weight
0.075-0.12 kg
Lifespan
3-5 years
Top Speed
20 km/h
Litter Size
2-5
Gestation
29-32 days

Diet & Feeding

These nocturnal nibblers enjoy a varied menu of fungi, nuts, seeds, and even a few insects!

Primary Foods

  • fungi
  • lichens
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • berries
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

A common night predator of the flying squirrel.

eats

Orange-brown Tuber

Rhizopogon vinicolor

Helps spread the spores of this underground fungus.

eaten by

American Marten

Martes americana

A swift, agile predator that can pursue them in trees.

depends on

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Relies on its seeds for food and tree cavities for shelter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a squirrel, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Humboldt's Flying Squirrel?

The easiest way to identify Humboldt's Flying Squirrel is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Humboldt's Flying Squirrel?

14-17 cm

How much does Humboldt's Flying Squirrel weigh?

0.075-0.12 kg

How long does Humboldt's Flying Squirrel live?

3-5 years

How fast can Humboldt's Flying Squirrel move?

20 km/h

What does Humboldt's Flying Squirrel eat?

These nocturnal nibblers enjoy a varied menu of fungi, nuts, seeds, and even a few insects!

Where is Humboldt's Flying Squirrel usually found?

Forests

How does Humboldt's Flying Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

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