The northern flying squirrel, scientifically known as Glaucomys sabrinus, is a small rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family. It is primarily found in the forests of North America. Measuring approximately 25 to 37 centimeters in length, including its tail, the northern flying squirrel possesses a distinctive web of skin, known as the patagium, that stretches from its forelimbs to its hindlimbs. This enables them to glide through the air, often covering distances of up to 50 meters between trees while descending.
The fur of the northern flying squirrel is soft and dense, predominantly gray-brown in color, with a cream-colored underbelly. It has large eyes compared to its body size, aiding its nocturnal vision. These squirrels are strictly arboreal and highly adapted to living in the forest canopy. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, insects, fruits, and tree sap.
These animals are largely solitary, with their territories overlapping only during the mating season. Breeding occurs twice a year, resulting in the birth of two to five pups at a time. The northern flying squirrel is known for its ability to gnaw openings into trees, where it builds leaf nests known as dreys for shelter.
Despite being called squirrels, these nocturnal gliding mammals are not accustomed to actively "flying". They are agile creatures that provide significant ecological benefits as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration. Due to habitat loss and deforestation, some subspecies of northern flying squirrels are considered vulnerable or endangered, necessitating conservation efforts to protect their populations.
