Glaucomys oregonensis
Until recently, mammalogists classified two species of flying squirrels in North America. But, in 2017, a third was added with the formal description of the Humboldt’s flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis). Though slightly smaller and darker, this cryptic species was once considered to be part of the northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus) group but genetic studies and an in depth look at the penis bone changed that. Northern flying squirrels inhabit the boreal coniferous forests of the northeastern U.S., Canada, and Alaska as well as relictual habitat in the higher elevations of the Appalachian and Rocky mountains. The Humboldt’s flying squirrel is a specialist of the Pacific Slope’s coastal forests from southern California’s sky islands, north through the Sierra Nevada, Klamath Mountains, Coast Ranges, and Cascades in conifer and mixed-conifer forests.
Neighborhood Field Guide
As part of our homeschooling efforts here at world headquarters, we have been creating a neighborhood field guide with our 3rd grader. Part of this has been weekly data collection through the use of a game camera. This is one of the most exciting animals we have ever captured!
Thanks for the flying squirrel info (even if it wasn’t about Rocky). Brought back some childhood memories when I visited my grandfathers farm in Connecticut (searched and the species is Glaucomys volans, southern flying squirrel). He had this high pole with a house on the very top. I wasn’t completely sure the squirrel used it though 🙂
Ha! thanks Rene. I have seen two in my life. One in southern California and the other, a southern flying squirrel, in Virginia. This was an exciting find for our family — even if it was just a game camera.