photo #3273660

The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is one of three species of the genus Glaucomys, the only flying squirrels found in North America. They are found in coniferous and mixed coniferous forests across much of Canada, from Alaska to Nova Scotia, and as far south as the mountains of North Carolina and as far west as Utah in the United States. They are light brown with pale underparts and grow to a length of 25 to 37 cm. They are proficient gliders but uncoordinated walkers on the ground. They feed on a variety of plant material, as well as tree sap, fungi, insects, carrion, bird eggs and chicks. They breed mostly once a year in a cavity lined with lichen or other soft material. Except when they have young, they change nests frequently, and in winter several individuals may huddle together in a shared nest. Unlike most members of their family, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal.