The Flying Squirrel: Two Types
There are two types of flying squirrels native to North America, the Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels. They do not have wings like birds, but they do have excess skin on their bodies between their legs that spreads out and acts as wings when they "fly" from tree to tree in the forest. There are several other species of the flying squirrel native to Asia and Central and South America, as well. They are mammals and belong to the genus Glaucomys, and they range over much of North America, from Canada to the Gulf Coast. In appearance, they look more like chinchillas, pikas, or even hamsters than traditional squirrels. They are extremely tiny, and can be hard to spot if you go looking for them in the forest. They are grey or brown in color, and are covered in dense, soft fur. They will bite if you try to handle them.The Northern flying squirrel ranges from Nova Scotia to Alaska, and as far south as California and North Carolina. The Southern flying squirrel lives from Canada to the Gulf Coast on the eastern United States. Both species live in tall trees and glide from tree to tree in search of their food, which includes nuts, ve
The flying squirrel is elegant in the air, but on the ground, the membrane can be awkward when they try to walk or run. That is because they are so tiny, their bones do not usually last long enough to turn into fossils and give evidence of their early existence. They are usually solitary, but in the winter, they can nest in groups of up to 24 or more animals. They will also eat insects, birds' eggs and young birds, and they will store nuts and seeds as winter approaches. Flying squirrels can suffer from a number of diseases and parasites, such as fleas, mites, and worms, but it is very uncommon for them to carry rabies or other diseases that are common in humans. They can live up to ten years or more, and some people keep them as pets, so they can be domesticated with some success. Scientists believe the species native to North America first traveled here from Siberia in Asia and Russia across the land bridge to Alaska and then into North America. The cold can make them extremely lethargic, and on extremely cold days they may only wake up enough to eat their storehouse of winter food they store near their nests. Flying squirrels "fly" by leaping off the branch of a tree and spreading the membrane between their legs. Remains that are similar to modern-day flying squirrels that are at least 55 million years old have been found in other areas of the world, but because they are so tiny, the North American species have not been dates that far back. The mother makes a nest in a tree trunk or other sheltered area, and can have up to six babies at a time. Biologists believe that flying squirrels are the oldest known version of the modern squirrel in our country. The membrane catches the wind and allows them to glide from tree to tree. They are unique creatures, and if you encounter one in the forest, be sure to treat it with the utmost care, because they are extremely small and fragile.
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