ExploreMammals

Northern Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys sabrinus

The Northern Flying Squirrel is a cute little animal that can glide through the air! It has big eyes and soft fur, making it a special friend of the night.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Northern Flying Squirrel has soft, reddish-brown fur on its back and a creamy white belly. It has very large, dark eyes for seeing at night, and a flattened, bushy tail. A loose skin membrane, called a patagium, stretches from its wrists to ankles, making it look distinct from other squirrels.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusGlaucomys
Northern Flying Squirrel
furry trait badgeomnivorous trait badgearboreal trait badgegliding trait badge
Northern Flying Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Northern Flying Squirrels help spread tree seeds and fungi spores throughout forests.

These furry friends 'talk' using chirps, clicks, and hisses in the darkness.

They can flip 180 degrees in the air just before landing on a tree!

They sometimes use old woodpecker holes or abandoned bird nests as homes.

Special abilities

Ability

Gliding Master

Northern Flying Squirrel can glide hundreds of feet because of its special skin membrane that acts like a parachute.

Ability

Night Vision

Northern Flying Squirrel has huge, dark eyes that help them see very well, even on the darkest nights, to find food.

Ability

Directional Tail

Northern Flying Squirrel can steer itself mid-air because its flattened tail acts like a rudder, guiding its glides.

Measurements & details

Length
22-31 cm
Weight
0.065-0.14 kg
Lifespan
3-5 years
Top Speed
19 km/h
Litter Size
2-6
Gestation
37-41 days

Diet & Feeding

Eats a mix of forest treats like nuts, seeds, fungi, and even some insects.

Primary Foods

  • fungi
  • lichens
  • acorns
  • hazelnuts
  • conifer seeds
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Spotted Owl

Strix occidentalis

A main predator in some forest regions.

eaten by

American Marten

Martes americana

A swift ground and tree predator.

depends on

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Relies on acorns from this tree for food.

eats

Wine-colored Truffle

Rhizopogon vinicolor

An important part of their fungi diet.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northern Flying Squirrel?

22-31 cm

How much does Northern Flying Squirrel weigh?

0.065-0.14 kg

How long does Northern Flying Squirrel live?

3-5 years

How fast can Northern Flying Squirrel move?

19 km/h

What does Northern Flying Squirrel eat?

Eats a mix of forest treats like nuts, seeds, fungi, and even some insects.

Where is Northern Flying Squirrel usually found?

Forests

How does Northern Flying Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Northern Flying Squirrel usually have?

2-6

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