Utah’s records for the northern flying squirrel are thin, just 38 in total, and rare enough to rank near the bottom of the state’s mammal list. More than half, 21, come from iNaturalist, a surprising photo share for a species that glides between trees after dark and rarely shows itself to people.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest holds the only named cluster, matching this squirrel’s need for connected conifer stands with old trees for cavities and glide paths. Dinosaur National Monument and Ouray National Wildlife Refuge sit in drier basin country nearby and mark the edge of where surveyors have looked, not necessarily where the squirrel lives.
Reports peak in July, with a smaller rise in September, the months when nocturnal trapping and camera surveys are easiest to run in the high country. NatureServe lists it vulnerable in Utah, consistent with how narrow and patchy its confirmed range here looks.
Full species profile
