Physical Characteristics
Is the Northern Flying Squirrel bigger or smaller than its “cousin” the Souther Flying Squirrel.
Northern Flying Squirrel is BIGGER.
Historically what is the northern flying squirrels most common and favorite habitat.
Fallen Down trees with big cavities referred to as tree snags
True or False: Northern Flying Squirrels are Nocturnal
TRUE!
What insect is the leading cause for decline in Hemlock Forests
Hemlock wooly Adelide - an invasive insect
What TWO Physical Features are used to tell the difference between Northern AND Southern Flying Squirrels.
Size and Belly Hair Color (Northern = Gray, Southern = White)
True or False: Historically food Hoarding behavior has been found in the northern flying squirrels like many other tree squirrel species.
FALSE!
True or False: In on single swoop a Northern Flying Squirrel‘s maximum leap length is 70 ft.
FALSE! They can leap up to 160ft in one swoop!
As the Southern Flying Squirrel Population Increases where does it spread and what species does in effect.
It moves northward cutting off resources for northern flying squirrels contracting the population.
What is the purpose of the Squirrel’s long flat tail.
Due to a Lack of the squirrel’s favorite habitat, that act as natural habitats for the squirrels they have turned to an alternative what is the alternative habitats.
Man made Attics in houses located in the suburbs
True or False: Northern Flying squirrels hibernate.
False! Northern Flying squirrels like other squirrels do not hibernate during the winter months and continue to forgage or find any available food.
What animal or species carries nematode parasites that is very fatal to northern flying squirrels and is a big reason for endangerment
Ironically the southern flying Squirrels carry this very harmful parasite.
What is the average size of a Northern Flying Squirrel (Inches and Ounces).
They range from 10-12 inches in height and 3-5 ounces in weight.
How many (million) years ago did the first Northern Flying squirrels originate
At least 25 Million Years ago
True or False: ALL American Flying Squirrels are fluorescent.
TRUE! All Flying squirrels shine a bright pink color under a Ultraviolet light.
What is one example of how humans are effecting Northern Flying squirrels Hemlock Forests.
Logging - cutting down trees for timber or paper
Development - Cutting down large areas of woods to make room for residential and commercial properties
Many other examples such as climate change are acceptable.
What is the official name for the peace of skin utilized while gliding. Also referred to as gliding membrane
Referred to as the Patagium
What natural occurring periods have caused the northern flying squirrels to adapt into flying squirrels
Glacial time periods - When earth’s temperatures are consistently low allowing for large sheets of ice and glaciers to form.
True or False: Norther Flying Squirrels have a litter of 1-6 baby’s per year.
True!
From 2003 - 2007 how many Northern Flying Squirrels were found in Pennsylvania.
Only 33 Northern Squirrels were found in all of PA.