The Southern flying squirrel and the Northern flying squirrel are both found in the New England area. Flying squirrels have been seen on this project, but due to the fact that the two species look so similar, a positive identification as to which species has been seen has not been accomplished. Therefore, information on both species is provided.

Northern Flying Squirrel

Glyconomys sabrinus

Description

Northern flying squirrels weigh roughly 4-6.5 oz. Their head and body range from 5.5-6.4 in. Their tail is 4.3-5.5 in. long.

Habitat

They are found in mixed and coniferous forests.

Diet

Not much is known about Northern flying squirrels. But they probably eat seeds, nuts, bird eggs, and some insects.

Range

They are found throughout the northeast and down to North Carolina in the Appalachain Mountains. They are also found throughout Canada and parts of the northwest along with parts of Alaska.

Other Useful Information

Northern flying squirrels and Southern flying squirrels are the only two strictly nocturnal squirrels in the United States.

Similar Species

Southern Flying squirrels look very similar to Northern flying squirrels and have overlapping ranges. Southern flying squirrels are smaller and have white belly hairs at the base while Northern flying squirrels have lead colored belly hairs at the base.

Southern Flying Squirrel

Glyconomys volans

Description

The Southern flying squirrel looks very similar to the Northern flying squirrel, only the Southern flying squirrel is slightly smaller (Northern flying squirrels can get up to an inch longer than Southern flying squirrels when measuring their body and head). Southern flying squirrels weigh 1.75-2.8 oz.

Habitat

Southern flying squirrels are found in hardwood forests and mixed hardwood-conifer stands.

Diet

Southern flying squirrels will eat seeds, fruit, nuts, bird eggs, and insects.

Range

Southern flying squirrels are found from the very southern tip of Maine down to Florida, and as far west as Minnesota down to Texas and all the states in between.

Other Useful Information

Not much is known about the behavior of Southern flying squirrels, but it does appear that they do have some homing instincts.

Similar Species

The Northern flying squirrel.