Northern Flying Squirrel

activity

Activity patterns. The Northern Flying Squirrel is generally nocturnal, but it is also active either shortly before or after dawn and immediately after sunset. It is active throughout winter and often nests with conspecifics to conserve energy; it does not appear to have the same physiological adaptations for dealing with extreme cold as the Southern Flying Squirrel.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Variety of forest types but most often boreal conifer forests or mixed stands, with significant conifer component. Although previously considered a specialist of primary forests, there is increasing evidence that the Northern Flying Squirrelis a habitat generalist. In the Appalachian Mountains (from New York to north-western Georgia, USA), it is often associated with spruce (Picea), fir (Abies), and hemlock (Tsuga), all Pinaceae; it also occurs in mature deciduousforests of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis, Betulaceae), sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Sapindaceae), beech (Fagus), and oak (Quercus), both Fagaceae.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Northern Flying Squirrel moves terrestrially and by gliding short distances, usually less than 20 m. Vocalizations are common when conspecifics interact or when disturbed, but details on context and function of vocalizations are not available. The Northern Flying Squirrel builds nests in cavities but also constructs dreys with twigs, bark, moss, lichens, and roots. Cavities are preferred in colder climates. Nests are lined with finely shredded material to provide insulation, typically allowing occupied nests to be maintained above 27 ° C, even when outside temperatures are as low as 4 ° C. Densities average 0 - 25 - 2 - 5 ind / ha but can as high as 12 ind / ha. In the Oregon Cascades, USA, density is ¢. 2 ind / ha in secondary and primary Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinaceae) stands. Home ranges are 1 - 7 ha but can reach 35 ha in the eastern part of the distribution. Supplementation experiments show thatin the Pacific Northwest, food (but not nest cavities) limits densities. The Northern Flying Squirrel may be excluded from nest cavities where it is sympatric with the Southern Flying Squirrel. In Pennsylvania, USA, the tw

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Gestation of the Northern Flying Squirrel lasts 37 - 42 days; litters are 1 - 6 young but usually 2 - 4 young. Although three litters per year have been reported, it is unlikely that the same female produces more than one litter annually. Young are 5 - 6 g at birth.

Sciuridae