Northern flying squirrel

Scientific name: Glaucomys sabrinus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

This species features soft, dense fur ranging from gray-brown to russet dorsally with white underparts and a distinctive furry patagium (gliding membrane) stretching between fore and hind limbs. Large, dark eyes and rounded ears are characteristic; they lack the white eye-ring of southern flying squirrels.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 110–160 g with a head-body length of 12–15 cm; tail adds 10–13 cm. Sexual dimorphism is minimal; females may average slightly heavier.

Habitat

Northern flying squirrels inhabit coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those with old-growth components. They prefer elevations from sea level to 2,000+ m and require dense canopy structure with abundant cavity trees for denning.

Distribution

Range spans boreal and northern temperate forests from British Columbia across Canada to the northeastern United States, with isolated populations in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. They favor mature conifer stands with minimal understory competition.

Diet

Northern flying squirrels feed primarily on fungi (especially truffles), conifer seeds, and lichen; they also consume berries, insects, and bird eggs seasonally, with fungal dependence highest in autumn and winter.

Behaviour

Strictly nocturnal and arboreal, these squirrels are most active 1–2 hours after dusk. They are solitary but may share nests in winter; they glide between trees using their patagium and cache food extensively in cavities and ground caches.

Hunting tips

Look for sign on snow or soft ground near cavity trees—small prints clustered at landing zones. Track glide paths between conifer stands and listen for soft vocalizations at dusk near den sites. Approach quietly from downwind in low-light conditions, focusing on old-growth pockets where lichen abundance indicates suitable habitat.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Canada

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.