The Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel (glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) is a small nocturnal gliding mammal some 26O to 3O5 millimeters (1O to 12 inches) in total length and 95-14O grams (3-5 ounces) in weight. It possesses a long, broad, flattened tail (8O percent of head and body length), prominent eyes, and dense, silky fur. The broad tail and folds of skin between the wrist and ankle form the aerodynamic surface used for gliding. Adults are gray with a brownish, tan, or reddish wash on the back, and grayish white or buffy white ventrally. Juveniles have uniform dark, slate-gray backs, and off-white undersides. The northern flying squirrel can be distinguished from the southern flying squirrel by its larger size; the gray base of its ventral hairs as opposed to a white base in the southern species; the relatively longer upper tooth row; and the short, stout baculum (penis bone) of the males.
The species historical range included North Carolina, Tennessee. See below for information about where the species is known or believed to occur.
Listing status: Endangered
States/US Territories in which this population is known to or is believed to occur: North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
US Counties in which this population is known to or is believed to occur: View All
USFWS Refuges in which this population is known to occur:
Unknown
Click here to see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service webpage on the Northern Flying Squirrel.