The Northern Flying Squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus
What is the Flying Squirrel?
A flying squirrel is similar to a regular squirrel, but it has skin between its arms and legs that allow it to glide. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, and have large eyes to help see in the dark. The northern flying squirrel is larger than the southern flying squirrel, and has a brown back. Northern flying squirrels are found in places with northern hardwoods, in southwest Virginia, western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee.
Why is it endangered?
Human impact is the biggest threat the the northern flying squirrel. Deforestation destroys and separates habitats important to the survival of the squirrel. Introduction of new animals that the local ecosystem creates more predators or competitors for the animal. Pollution causes more acidic rain and excess heavy metals, which are toxic to life.
What to do?
Investing the effect with ecosystem from and to the squirrel helps you understand why it is listed as endangered. Avoiding the addition of invasive species that toy with the ecosystem goes a long way, but removing them is much more complex. Pollution can be solved by using greener options for purchases and production of goods. Deforestation should slow down to a rate that new trees grow faster than trees are lost.