Effects of Temperature and Day Length on Daily Movements and Home Range of Glaucomys volans (Southern Flying Squirrel) in the Northeastern United States

Abstract To maximize energy gained and minimize energy expended, animals should forage in a manner that gives them the largest benefit at the lowest cost. Species living in seasonal environments in the northeastern US, such as the Glaucomys volans (Southern Flying Squirrel), need to overcome high energetic demands associated with thermoregulation and food availability. In this study, we measured nightly travelled distance and home range of Southern Flying Squirrel to understand how they adapt to changes in temperature and day length. Our results showed that Southern Flying Squirrel travelled longer distances and expanded their home range in warmer temperatures and longer day-lengths. Our study contributes to our understanding of how animals adapt to constantly changing environmental conditions in the northeastern United States.