Animals that characterize the Appalachian forests include five species of tree squirrels. The most commonly seen is the low to moderate elevation eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Occupying similar habitat is the slightly larger fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and the much smaller southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). More characteristic of cooler northern and high elevation habitat is the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), whereas the Appalachian northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus), which closely resembles the southern flying squirrel, is confined to northern hardwood and spruce-fir forests. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many species of tree squirrel are commonly found in the range? ANS1 five species QSN2 What is the most commonly seen species? ANS2 gray squirrel QSN3 What does the squirrel share its habitat with? ANS3 larger fox squirrel QSN4 What is found more in the northern portions? ANS4 red squirrel QSN5 Which species is commonly found more in spruce-fir forests? ANS5 Appalachian northern flying squirrel