Recently, Patterson and Patterson (2010) documented a single Glaucomys sabrinus (Northern Flying Squirrel) having two litters in a single year in southern Ontario, Canada. We confirm this record and provide evidence for two new observations; 1) Northern Flying Squirrels will attempt a second litter after raising a successful first litter; and 2) Northern Flying Squirrels can be lactating and pregnant at the same time. We also present data on the frequency of polyestry in a single year. In 2008, 3 of 10 radio-collared flying squirrels in southern New Brunswick, Canada attempted two litters. The first litter was born in early June, and the second litter in mid-August. Our data suggest that polyestry in Northern Flying Squirrels may be relatively common in some years.
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1 September 2011
Evidence of Multiple Annual Litters in Glaucomys sabrinus (Northern Flying Squirrel)
Matthew J. Smith,
Graham J. Forbes,
Matthew G. Betts
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Northeastern Naturalist
Vol. 18 • No. 3
September 2011
Vol. 18 • No. 3
September 2011