Southern+Flying+Squirrel

The southern flying squirrel(Glaucomys Volans) is found throughout the forests of eastern North America from southern Ontarioto the Gulf Coast, with isolated populations in Mexico. Its distribution in North America is more southerly than that of its close relative, the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys Sabrinus). The northern variety is found primarily in coniferous forests in most Canada and in the northern United states from Maine to California.The ranges of the two species overlap in some parts of north-central an it's also noutheast United states. Although the nothern flying squirrel is larger, the southern variety is more aggressive and tends to be dominant.

Only the southern flying squirrel is found in Nebraska, and it is found only in remant tracts of eastern deciduous forest in the southeastern corner of the state.It is known to occer in the forested bluffs along the Missouri River from the far southern cornerof the state north, it probably accurred over a wider areawhen the deciduousforest in the statewas more extensive than it was today. The southern flying sqirrel is considered threatened in Nabraska and is fully protected, it is quite common in many eastern states.

The southern flying squirrel is easily distinguished from other Nabraska tree squirrels by its smaller size, and by its gliding membrance, or patagium, a fold of skin that extends from the wrist of the front legto the ankle of the hind leg. When the front and hind legs are extended, the membrance forms a wing like gliding serface. The fur broad and horizontily flattened tail serves as a rudder and stabilizer during glides. the eyes are noticeably large, an adoption for its nocturnal habbits. The ears are more prominent than in other tree squirels. Whiskers are are also prominent.

Southern flying squirrels are quite small. Adults usualy are 9 to 10 inches long including the tail, and they weigh between 2 to 4 ounces. Their fur is soft, silky and moderately long. The upper body is grayish to brownish in color, and the underparts are creamy white. The eyes are surrounded by a black ring, and a black border extends along the edge of the gliding membrance.