Humboldt's flying squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Humboldt's flying squirrel |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Glaucomys
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| Species: |
oregonensis
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Humboldt's flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis) is a small, furry animal. It is one of three types of flying squirrels found in North America. These squirrels do not truly fly. Instead, they glide gracefully from tree to tree. They use a special flap of skin between their front and back legs.
Scientists once thought Humboldt's flying squirrel was the same as the northern flying squirrel. But new studies in 2017 showed it is a unique species. These squirrels live in tall, dense forests. You can find them from southern British Columbia in Canada down to southern California in the United States.
Humboldt's flying squirrels look a lot like northern flying squirrels. However, they are usually a bit smaller. They also have darker fur. They are very good at gliding through the air. But they can be a bit clumsy when they walk on the ground.
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Where Humboldt's Flying Squirrels Live
Humboldt's flying squirrels live in several places. You can find them in British Columbia, Canada. They also live in the U.S. states of California, Oregon, and Washington. These squirrels prefer thick coastal forests. These forests have many tall trees. This gives them plenty of space to glide from one tree to another.
They build their nests high up in the trees. This helps keep them safe from animals that might try to eat them. They like forests with both conifer trees (like pine or fir) and other types of trees.
What Humboldt's Flying Squirrels Eat
Humboldt's flying squirrels eat many different things. They enjoy various plant materials. They also like tree sap, which is the liquid inside trees. A big part of their diet is fungi, like mushrooms.
Sometimes, they eat insects. They might also eat dead animals, called carrion. They can even eat bird eggs and baby birds from nests. This varied diet helps them find food in different seasons.
Life Cycle and Habits
Humboldt's flying squirrels usually have babies once a year. They make a cozy nest for their young. This nest is often inside a tree hole or cavity. They line it with soft materials. Lichen, which is a plant-like growth, is a common nesting material.
Unlike most squirrels, flying squirrels are active only at night. This means they are nocturnal. They sleep during the day. Then they wake up at night to find food and glide through the forest.
See also
In Spanish: Ardilla Voladora de Humboldt para niños
