Quick answer
Northern flying squirrels do not truly fly — they glide between trees on a furry membrane called a patagium, steering with their flat tail. They live in boreal forests across North America, weigh about 110–230 g, and are active at night feeding on fungi, nuts, and tree sap.
Top questions about the Northern Flying Squirrel
Northern Flying Squirrel facts at a glance
- Weight 150 g
- Length 30 cm
- Top speed 30 km/h
- Lifespan 6 years
| Scientific name | Glaucomys sabrinus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Fungi, nuts, seeds, insects, tree sap |
| Habitat | Mature boreal and mixed forests of Canada and the northern United States |
| Lifespan | About 5–6 years in the wild |
| Weight | 110–230 g (4–8 oz) |
| Top speed | Glides up to 50 m (160 ft) between trees |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Genus | Glaucomys |
Where it lives
The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is native to Boreal and mixed forests of Canada, Alaska, and the northern and western United States. — recorded across North America in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a northern flying squirrel?
An adult northern flying squirrel measures 30 cm long — about 17% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 150 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of northern flying squirrels called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Northern Flying Squirrels is called a scurry.
Baby name
A baby Northern Flying Squirrel is called a pup.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Patagium gliding
A skin flap stretches from wrist to ankle, letting flying squirrels steer mid-glide with tail and limbs. They climb to a height, launch, and land on tree trunks up to 50 metres away — saving energy and avoiding ground predators.
Nocturnal and communal
Large eyes suit night foraging on lichens, truffles, and bird eggs. Multiple squirrels may share tree cavities in winter, huddling for warmth in harsh boreal climates.
Ecological role
Flying squirrels disperse mycorrhizal fungi spores through droppings, supporting forest health. Owls, martens, and house cats are major predators.
Southern flying squirrel cousin
The smaller southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) ranges through eastern North America. Both species are Least Concern but depend on mature forest — logging of old trees reduces nest sites.
Explore the Northern Flying Squirrel
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Northern Flying Squirrel
Do flying squirrels fly?
No — they glide using a patagium skin flap. Powered flight requires wings; mammals this size cannot achieve it.
Where do flying squirrels live?
Boreal and mixed forests of Canada, Alaska, and the northern and western United States.
Can you keep a flying squirrel as a pet?
Native species are protected in many areas. Some exotic species are restricted; check local wildlife laws.
What do flying squirrels eat?
Mainly fungi and lichens, plus nuts, seeds, insects, and tree sap.
How far can flying squirrels glide?
Typically 20–30 metres, with exceptional glides over 50 metres between tall trees.
What is a group of northern flying squirrels called?
A group of Northern Flying Squirrels is called a scurry.
What is a baby northern flying squirrel called?
A baby Northern Flying Squirrel is called a pup.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Northern Flying Squirrel:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Glaucomys sabrinus.
-
iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Glaucomys sabrinus. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
-
GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Glaucomys sabrinus. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
-
Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
