HANGIN’ OUT: Emily Poulin, of South China, photographed this loon hanging out in the lake.
JUST PASSING THROUGH: Bonnie Squiers captured this deer trotting through the backyard with one hoof on the ground.
SEEING DOUBLE: Deborah Guzelian snapped this double rainbow recently over the lake.
Just as you may know your IQ or EQ—cognitive and emotional intelligence—it’s wise to know your OQ or oral health quotient and the links between oral health and overall health.
(NAPSI)—The most common disease in the world is right under your nose—here’s what you can do.
Right now nearly half the world’s population is suffering from oral diseases like cavities and gum disease. This global crisis has major health consequences, since oral health is connected to your overall well-being. Beyond mouth pain and tooth loss, oral diseases are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, among other conditions. In addition to your physical health, oral health can impact mental health and emotional well-being. Research shows childhood cavities lead to worry, anxiety, sadness and embarrassment in both kids and their parents.
Fortunately, oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease are largely preventable. If you Know Your OQ™—your oral health quotient—you’ll learn the simple steps for taking care of your mouth, the signs and symptoms for oral diseases, and where to go to seek help, and in doing so, take care of the rest of you.
Just as you might know your IQ or EQ, Colgate-Palmolive wants you to Know Your OQ™. You can go to KnowYourOQ.com and take a free, interactive assessment to determine your oral health quotient on a scale from 1 to 10. After just two to three minutes, you’ll understand how oral health is the gateway to your overall health and well-being and be on your way to a healthier future. Once you know your OQ score, you can share the quiz and your oral health knowledge with your friends and family to promote healthier communities.
At KnowYourOQ.com, you can also find tips for improving your oral health, gain a better understanding of oral diseases, learn preventive strategies, and discover opportunities to seek professional help.
A healthier future starts with a healthy mouth. Here are some quick tips to boost your oral health quotient and help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath:
1.Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride-based toothpaste to prevent cavities. Night-time brushing is especially essential for an impactful oral care routine.
2.Brush properly using circular motions, and at a 45 degree angle to the gum-line, to remove plaque (bacteria) on all tooth surfaces. You can use powered and connected technologies to help guide you for the most effective tooth brushing. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease) which can progress to more advanced forms of the disease such as periodontitis, if not addressed. Once plaque hardens to calculus, professional removal is necessary to scrape it off of the tooth surface.
3.Floss your teeth at least once daily to clean in between your teeth, use mouthwash as needed, and remember to brush your tongue, too.
4.See a dentist twice a year and whenever you have tooth troubles. Many oral diseases do not have obvious signs or symptoms so regular checkups are essential to detect and prevent diseases from progressing.
To address the global oral health crisis, Colgate-Palmolive, the worldwide leader in oral care with a brand, Colgate, in more homes than any other, launched Know Your OQ™—a comprehensive public health initiative and educational campaign—to teach people about the links between oral health and their physical health and mental wellbeing. The company understands that education is the first step for driving action and making an impact, and is empowering people to understand why it’s so important to take care of your mouth.
“Research has consistently shown that oral health is a window to overall health, yet oral health literacy is very low,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive. “That’s why we’re on a mission to help people increase their oral health knowledge. If we all understand the importance of oral health and embrace simple, proven preventative strategies, we can help decrease risk for oral diseases and empower people worldwide to join in the fight against oral diseases that impact overall health and well being.”
Oral health is often overlooked, even though an estimated 3.5 billion people currently suffer from oral diseases—and these diseases don’t just cause a pain in your mouth. Studies have found that oral diseases are linked to diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as other health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. What’s more, childhood cavities cause children to miss up to three days of school per year, requiring their parents to lose the same amount of time at work.
To test your OQ, go to www.KnowYourOQ.com. The website also provides helpful information for consumers to improve their oral health and educational resources for healthcare professionals.
by Debbie WalkerBeing from Maine we are accustomed to some hard to pronounce names of towns, rivers, etc., due to the Native American historical names as are many other states residents. Yesterday we came across some other ‘uncommon’ names. What follows are ones I found last night on the internet:
The name that started my search is the little town of Two Egg, Florida. It has about 1,100 two-person households. Two Egg had a store where folks would come and trade farm products for other foods such as “two eggs worth of sugar” could make the difference of surviving or not.
The history is on the computer as are the others you will see here.
How about Soda Springs, Idaho? The name comes from having many carbonated springs in the area. Just imagine, you get to go to the creek to get your soda fix for the day. Wonder if Pepsi or Coke ever investigated this.
Cut and Shoot, Texas – The name refers to a confrontation that took place in 1912 and almost came to violence.
Hooker, Oklahoma, was named for the man, a ranch foreman named John “Hooker” Threlkeld. Some residents like to say, “It is a location, not a vocation”.
Screamer, Alabama. One version of the name is they could have been referring to the sounds of the wood’s animals at night.
No Name, Colorado. It was meant to be a temporary solution but became a thing of pride. It’s population of about 200 people opted to keep the name. It is located near No Name tunnels, No Name Creek and the No Name hiking trail.
Corner Ketch, Delaware. It appears to have been named for a local rough and tumble bar. The drinkers were so quarrelsome that the residents would warn strangers, “They’ll ketch ye at the corner.”
Slickpoo, Idaho. It barely qualifies as a town but was once a bustling village. It was gifted to the folks by landowner Josiah Slickpoo.
Bugtussle, Kentucky. This one surprised me. I had heard of it but thought it was just someone’s funny idea of a name. Maybe it really was but there is a story. They say years ago when someone brought in workers for the harvest they would sleep in the barn – on hay that was infested with Doodlebugs. It is said the workers stayed so long that the bugs grew big enough to “tussle” for the prime napping spots.
Maine even has a spot in the long list of funny names. Burnt Porcupine is the name of a sister island to Bald Porcupine, Long Porcupine and Sheep Porcupine. They are near Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
Hell, Michigan. I had a client (my real estate years) once who came from there! Some rude woman didn’t want us on ‘HER’ road (it wasn’t hers). She hollered to tell us something about “When Hell Freezes Over”. He quietly told me that ‘Hell, does indeed freeze over but this is the wrong time of the year’.
I am just curious if you will search out some of the funny and bizarre names, there are many more. If you want to share a story with me or have comments just send them to me at DebbieWalker@townline.org Thanks for reading!
Peter Falk
by Peter CatesPeter Falk will always be best-remembered as the cigar burning homicide detective Lt. Columbo and rightfully so. His characterization of a man whose persona was that of a socially awkward bungler who was so easily distracted by the most insipidly trivial, useless pieces of information and yet would fool murderers time and again into thinking they would never get caught with his standard “Oh, I apologize for bothering you but just one more question!”
I have been watching the several available episodes on Amazon Prime, starting with season 2 and its very impressive guest star murderers row line-up:
John Cassavetes as a conductor who disposes of his pianist girlfriend after she’s pressuring him to divorce his wife. Cassavetes and Falk were very close friends who collaborated on several films, one of which was the harrowingly powerful 1974 A Woman Under the Influence, which Cassavetes directed and Falk played the emotionally insensitive construction worker and husband of a woman on the brink of a nervous breakdown (Cassavetes’s wife Gena Rowlands gave an award-winning performance as the main character).
Ray Milland as a murderous uncle who sends his spoiled brat of a nephew to his eternal reward.
Leonard Nimoy as a surgeon who commits three murders in violation of his Hippocratic oath.
English actor Lawrence Harvey as a world class chess champion who murders a rival he perceives as a threat to his world class status and which was one of Harvey’s last roles a year before his death as the age of 45, in 1973.
Martin Landau as twin brothers who electrocute a rich uncle in his bathtub with a blender. This episode also featured the positively brilliant actress Jeannette Nolan as the uncle’s perfectionist housekeeper.
Vera Miles as an entrepreneur in the cosmetics business who cracks a former boyfriend, portrayed by Martin Sheen, on the skull when he refuses to hand over an anti-aging formula he stole from her.
One most memorable episode featured the wonderful Anne Baxter as the murderess who ignites the gasoline explosion of an automobile being driven by a man who gossips too much. Her portrayal of the murderess ended up being a tearfully sympathetic one.
My first experience of Peter Falk’s acting was in 1962 when he appeared as a killer on the short lived TV series The Aquanuts, starring Ron Ely and Jeremy Slate. Falk conveyed very low key ominous presence vividly.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
by Gary KennedyHere comes Peter Cotton Tail hopping down the bunny trail once again. It seems he is very punctual as he seems to appear to the children first with copious amounts of colored candy. My favorite was always the yellow coconut covered marshmallow rabbits closely followed up by the chocolate bunnies of the same configuration.
When I was five or six, perhaps even a little older I would love to go on the Easter egg hunts which carried a prize with each discovery. I never won big but I certainly got my share. It seems many holidays have something to do with a fantasy and something sweet or at least good food with great friends and family. It is an age old tradition which is enchanting and lots of fun for the participants as well as the observers. (Mom, Dad, grandparents and just older friends).
I believe this is a good thing as long as we teach and observe the true meaning of this fun-filled holiday with the most precious of us, our children. We all want them to grow properly with love in their hearts and respect for all of the human race. The best way I know of is instilling a moral structure based on faith for their lives in the here and now and for what comes in the hereafter.
There is such a wonderful feeling in knowing that even though our time here is short, if we conduct ourselves in a righteous way we will find another life which is more beautiful and eternal. I personally have given this a lot of thought and have come to the conclusion; what do I have to lose? All it really requires is living a good and respectful life and having the realization that there is a greater power out there that has created a beautiful place for us to grow with each other, and to respect diversity within the guidelines of our love of he who gave his life to open the door and make it all possible. It’s the right thing to do so why not live a harmonious life with God the father and Jesus the son.
The Bible has never asked too much or given any task that can’t be easily accomplished. At the same time we must respect that there are others who also believe, but in different ways. John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I write things knowing full well that there are at least three major schools of thought on this matter but all three include God. So use this holiday as you wish but Jesus was in all three. All agree he was a man of God. Some know of him but don’t believe in his biblical position with God. I believe that irrespective of how you interpret the word of God you should respect the other point of view. The Bible fortifies itself. If you look at Luke 10:27, Mathew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Mark 12:30. The Deuteronomy version is my favorite as it tells us to love the lord with all our heart, soul and strength. It tells us to love our neighbor. These Gospels tell us to include the children and it’s all about “love”.
If our guidance is true and good then perhaps our children will reside in a righteous and peace loving world. Today we see pain, suffering and turmoil around us with a world in chaos, which is marked in confusion. My wish for this Easter is to remember the suffering it took to allow us a chance at life. Pray for your neighbor and pray for all those in the world who are suffering. I’m sure you will be reminded on Easter Sunday at the place where you worship. Put God first and Peter Cotton Tail second.
God bless all and have a happy and safe Easter.
by Roland D. HalleeRecently, I received information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirming the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in samples taken from small flocks of non-commercial backyard birds (non-poultry); Lincoln County (March 17); Knox and York counties (March 19); Cumberland County (March 22); and Washington County (March 26).
DACF Animal Health placed the properties under quarantine, and humane depopulation efforts have been completed.
Additional safety measures were implemented, including monitoring properties with domestic flocks within a six-mile radius and notifying bird owners of the importance of proactive safety measures to help prevent disease.
The risk for HPAI remains high, and backyard flock and commercial operators are advised to keep birds indoors to prevent the spread of this disease.
The current outbreak of HPAI is spreading across the country primarily due to the migration of wild birds. There is little evidence to suggest HPAI is being spread from farm to farm (lateral transmission). The virus is very prevalent in the environment in wild birds so flock owners need to practice strong biosecurity. More information on steps they can take to enhance biosecurity is available here: http://healthybirds. aphis. usda.gov.
Birds should be kept inside as long as the disease transmission risk is high. Please reference the Maine DACF Animal Health website for up-to-date information.
Because HPAI is being spread by migrating wild birds, it is difficult to predict what will happen over the next couple months. The trends observed with past North American HPAI outbreaks are that there is often a reprieve in the summer months. Summer is when the virus present on the landscape (outdoors) is degraded by sunlight and heat. Migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, and shorebirds) moving south in the fall months are likely to shed AI virus again. It is critically important that poultry owners work now to provide indoor shelter for their birds through the fall and provide outdoor access only in covered poultry runs, allowing protection from predators and preventing contact with wild waterfowl and their droppings.
When purchasing new birds it’s always recommended to only purchase birds from a reputable source that follows effective biosecurity protocols and closely monitors poultry health.
Some of the signs to look for are sudden death without clinical signs; Lack of energy and appetite; Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; Swelling of the head, comb, eyelid, wattles, and hocks; Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs; Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing; Incoordination; or Diarrhea. Learn more.
The best approach to protect the flock is to practice good biosecurity – this means keeping your birds separate from sources of disease, such as infected wild birds and their environment.
Report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through your state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.
Can people contract AI? No cases of this particular strain of the avian influenza virus have been detected in humans in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent detections of this strain of influenza in birds in Maine and several other states present a low risk to the public.
Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. Eggs from a known infected flock are safely disposed of.
There is compensation available. Refer to the USDA APHIS website to learn what is covered and how the process works.
USDA has many resources available for commercial poultry producers and backyard bird owners through its Defend the Flock campaign. Information about this campaign and links to toolkits containing biosecurity checklists, videos, and more, are available.
DACF’s Animal Health team is also working closely with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC). Though this strain of avian influenza has not been detected in humans in the United States, Maine CDC is monitoring the health and wellbeing of animal health staff and flock owners who were exposed out of an abundance of caution. Signs and symptoms of bird flu infections in people can include fever (temperature of 100°F or greater) or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches, eye redness (or conjunctivitis), and difficulty breathing.
Other possible symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. As with seasonal flu, some people are at high risk of getting very sick from bird flu infections, including pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people 65 and older. The U.S. CDC provides information on avian flu transmission. The Maine CDC’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is prepared to process samples and quickly provide results for anyone potentially exposed to the virus.
What was the nickname of the Boston professional American League baseball team between 1901 and 1907?
by Debbie WalkerI read an amazing theory on Facebook, a computer social program, I have no idea who is the author, but I am impressed with the words of wisdom. If you already saw this, I hope you will enjoy the premise of the theory again.
A man was giving his daughter the gift of an old “seen better days” car. His instruction was for her to take it to a car dealer to see what they would offer to purchase the car. She came back and told her dad they offered $1,000.
Next, he told her to take it to a pawn shop to see what their offer is. Well, that price was only $100.
Lastly, he told her to take the car to a car club meeting to see if there was any interest. Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it since it was an iconic car and sought after by many.
I am quoting the story now: “The father said to his daughter, ‘The right place values you the right way. If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you. Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.’”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were all raised to be aware of our personal value? Are you aware of your value in your daily life? Do you know your value to your childhood family, friends, and teachers? Do you know your value to the family you are raising? Do your spouse and family know their value to you?
I’ll bet you never thought much about it even after reading the story, but take a few minutes to think about this, what would your value be? What value do you give others?
None of this has anything to do with dollars and cents. Since I am retired the career/job aspect doesn’t fit my life’s value. I am looking back at my employment years and I believe I placed too much value in that part of my life. It had a great deal to do with what I saw as my value of myself.
Raising my daughter, I am not sure either of us truly understood “value”. I think she looked at me as “something to survive”. We argued quite a bit. I think we both looked at each other more with the word “tolerance”!
Unfortunately, in my married life my husband suffered from depression most all his life. I doubt either of us valued the other. After too many years I did realize I was in the wrong place.
These days I am very aware of my wonderful friendships and family and how much we value each other. If you doubt your value, are there grandkids around? The first time this little chubby toddler came running towards me with arms flying wildly hollering “Nana” hug! Value, oh yeah!
I’m just curious if any of this has you changing your perception of value. It did me.
Contact me with any comments or questions at DebbieWalker@townline.org.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!
Herbert von Karajan
by Peter CatesHerbert von Karajan’s 114th birthday anniversary is April 5. He may have been arguably the most powerful conductor to emerge in the entire world of classical music after World War II, around 1947, following de-Nazification proceedings (in order to work during the Hitler years, he had to join the Nazi party, like several million others, but he was not a war criminal and did have a Jewish wife whom he kept protected).
In the immediate aftermath of World War II and living in a very low profile manner (and from hand to mouth) in a shabby apartment in Vienna while it was still occupied by the Russians, an Englishman came visiting with bottles of brandy and several rolls of sausage. He was Walter Legge and he was in charge of recording at EMI in London. BTW, if Legge had been caught by the Russians with the brandy and sausages, he would have been thrown in prison several years for smuggling, if not shot.
Walter Legge
Legge had created the world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra primarily for studio recording and had recruited the finest musicians for its ranks. He also had a hard and fast rule in which each musician had to re-audition each year to maintain the Orchestra’s incomparable standard, unlike other major orchestras in which its members could rest a bit more comfortably on their backsides.
Legge had already hired such brilliant conductors as Walter Susskind, Alceo Galliera , Paul Kletzki, Rafael Kubelik and a few others as drillmasters but he wanted a more permanent music director. Karajan had already recorded several extraordinary 78 sets with orchestras in Germany, Holland, Italy and Vienna for such labels as Polydor and Columbia (Highly recommended are the Polydor recordings of Beethoven’s 7th, Brahms 1st, Dvorak’s New World and the Tchaikovsky Pathetique Symphonies, each of which Karajan left at least five different recordings. The Polydors were released in a CD set by Deutsche Grammophon a few years ago and are frequently available via the internet sources or accessible on youtube. ).
Until 1955, Karajan recorded a pile of distinguished recordings with the Philharmonia Orchestra and was Music Director during most of the 50s of the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy.
Karajan unfortunately aroused the enmity of Germany’s then more powerful conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954) who was also an interpretive genius on a different, possibly more sublime level. And Furtwangler reigned supreme as the music director of the Berlin Philharmonic. The older conductor did everything he could to make Karajan’s life difficult in blocking the younger man’s ability to work. The two had one huge personality conflict.
However, after Furtwangler’s death in 1954, the story is related that that orchestra was feeling demoralized, its management appointed Karajan, he came to the first rehearsal and he stated to the players that, “We will play great music as we always did in the past.”
Karajan also made millions of dollars for the orchestra and himself over the next 30 years through the recordings and videos, few of which have gone out of print.
Out of the many Karajan recordings on my shelves, I recommend the 1982 live Mahler 9th Symphony, the 1961 Puccini Tosca with Leontyne Price, the mid ‘60s Mascagni Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncovallo Pagliacci, any one of his Beethoven Symphony cycles and his gripping performance of the Sibelius 4th Symphony.
Herbert von Karajan died in 1989 at the age of 81.
by Gary KennedyI met a veteran the other day in a wheelchair and just began a conversation with him. It seems he and his wife are both veterans. I being in a chair myself began talking about some of the difficulties involved. He concurred and explained he had an old house and it was difficult to get around and do things. I told him I have the same problems but applied for V.A. grants which are supposed to help with those problems. To my surprise and amazement he wasn’t aware of these programs.
I was thrilled to be able to help him and his significant other with just some information and advice. There are several grants out there to help make improvements such as bathroom renovation and accessibility for the wheelchairs etc. also there are grants for remodeling your home if it’s not safe or navigable. There are also grants which could build you a small home. (S.A.H Grant) Specially Adapted Home can mean remodel an existing home or even build a home on land you already own. Currently the S.A.H Grant is $101,754. A local agent is Kevin Nash. He can be reached at KEVIN.NASH@VA.GOV. However, he lives in Vermont and does it all by phone.
Although this sounds like a wonderful thing that is being given to the veterans it doesn’t come without its problems. Two by fours are closing in at $9 per 8 per foot and two by six are nearing $19. In any case most well known contractors won’t work with less than one-third down, which is only fair in my opinion. You can’t honestly expect professionals to supply materials and labor without some help from the customer. That is a normal amount required if you are having a home built without V.A. assistance. The VA Grant doesn’t give that. This grant is only given once, so its use must be monitored and protected.
One other grant should be mentioned is the “CAREGIVER GRANT” which is available in levels. The first level is loss of use of legs or an arm and a leg, or just not being able to do certain things on your own. An example would be you need help washing, bathing, dressing, tying your shoes, cooking, feeding, medication delivery and safety. I believe the current stipend that is given is approximately $1,681. This can be paid to your wife or significant other. It is a tax free amount for delivering care.
The second level is for one who is wheelchair bound and unable to do other necessary functions of everyday living. I believe the stipend for this level is around $2,600. There are more situations which you should or could apply for. Contact Ms.Tammy Holman at tammy.holman@va.gov at the Veterans Administration at Togus. Her telephone number is 207-623-8411 extn. 5906 or 7987. She can send you a flyer with all the qualifications.
All except the (S.A.H. Grant) are easy to apply for and obtain. If you qualify for the S.A.H. Grant you should have no problem with the remodel or constructions if you are prepared to contribute one third of the needed money. The way I understand it is this upfront money will be refunded to you along the way. If you don’t have it, I haven’t been able to find an option. However, I will check with the Secretary of V.A. for an answer for you. Also if you do receive a loan at the bank, how and when do you get your money back. Make sure you receive an answer. These people are still working at home and refuse to come to you. I have tried. Perhaps with help from my group we can get answers or possible changes.
I probably should mention the Adaptive Equipment Grant which allows the veteran to apply for addendums to his/her vehicle to aid in his being able to transfer into his vehicle which may have been given by the VA. I was given a vehicle and told I could receive a wheelchair lift and other accessories. I called the administrator of the adaption equipment, Evangeline Boyle, who is located at Boston VA Healthcare system, 940 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 02301, telephone number, 508-583-4500. And she told me I would have to drive to Boston for a driving test. I had to forgo this free needed equipment as I don’t drive to Boston because of the distance and the other problems with that long a drive, in that congested area.
The VA gave me a grant for a remodel or new house as well as money for a new vehicle yet they wouldn’t send someone to our VA facility to do what is needed in my case and the case of others. Also, why would I have to take a driver test for a wheelchair lift? I will not allow veterans to be abused not even myself. This process/procedure is not acceptable. I will address this when I contact the National Director. Military abuse has become Elder Abuse.
So all this information being given should lead you to placing the appropriate phone call or email. I know for many of you the initial down payment can be a very big problem. I have been waiting for two years to receive what they say I qualify for. If you qualify, why is it so difficult to receive? That would be a good question unless the government really doesn’t want you to seek this sort of relief. Frank Siller who leads the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of his brother’s death, Stephen, during 9-11, gives his money from the heart. You don’t need to contribute if you’re the recipient. The vets he serves don’t have to pay upfront money also. The difference is there is no politics involved.
I hope I have been of some help. God bless America and also to those in the Ukraine that are having a taste of hell. Some of our great veterans are on their way there now to help. I wish I were one. May God bless and keep them safe. My email is garyek55@gmail.com.
Photo courtesy of timbergrove.org
by Roland D. HalleeDid you know flying squirrels exist in Maine? Well, be it known that Maine is home to the northern flying squirrel.
The northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus, is one of two species of the animal, the only flying squirrels found in North America. The northern flying squirrel is found in coniferous and mixed forests across the top of North America, from Alaska to Nova Scotia, south to North Carolina and west to California. The flying squirrel was placed on the protection list on June 6, 2011, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
If you want to see a flying squirrel you will have to be an early riser, because the flying squirrel, unlike its cousins, is nocturnal. All other North American squirrels are active during the day.
Arboreal rodents, they have thick light brown or cinnamon fur on their upper body. A furry membrane extends between the front and rear legs, and allows the animal to glide through the air. It’s grayish on the flanks and whitish underneath. They have large eyes and a flat tail. They can also be identified by their long whiskers, which are common to nocturnal mammals.
A flying squirrel doesn’t actually fly, but glides downward, using the wide flaps of skin along its sides to help slow its descent. To become airborne, this mammal leaps and spreads its legs, uses its tail as a rudder and moves its legs. Immediately after it lands, it will scurry to the far side of the tree just in case an owl is in pursuit. They can glide distances of 20 to 30 feet.
Northern flying squirrels are an important prey species for the Spotted Owl. Other predators include large birds, especially the Great Horned Owl, hawks, the American Marten, the Canadian Lynx and Red Fox.
The major food sources for the squirrels are mushrooms of various species, although they also eat lichens, nuts, tree sap, insects, carrion, bird eggs and nestlings, and buds and flowers. The squirrels are able to locate truffles. (If you follow the Peanuts comic strips, presently Linus has Snoopy sniffing for truffles – he needs a flying squirrel.) Although they also seem to use cues such as the presence of coarse woody debris, indicating a decaying log, and spatial memory of locations where truffles were found in the past.
They are also known to cache food for when food supplies are lower. These caches can be in cavities of trees, as well as in the squirrels’ nest. Lichens and seeds are commonly cached.
The northern flying squirrel nests in holes in trees, and will also build outside nests called dreys. They sometimes use cavities created by woodpeckers.
Except when rearing young, the squirrels shift from nest to nest frequently. They often share nests. Although there usually are 2-5 individuals in a nest, it was once observed that over 50 individuals were occupying one nest.
The sharing of nests is important in maintaining body temperature in the winter, as flying squirrels do not hibernate. In the winter, they tend to live in conifer areas of mixed woods, while in summer they are found in conifers and deciduous areas. This behavior is associated with the belief that the canopy cover is important in protecting the squirrels from predation and colder temperatures. In all but the worst severe weather conditions, the squirrels are active year round.
Squirrels, in general, get no respect. They are a nuisance around bird feeders and can raise havoc in a garden, not to mention them digging through your pumpkins in search of the seeds. But, did you know that January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day? Founded by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator, from Asheville, North Carolina, in 2001, that day is set aside annually to give us all the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the tree-climbing, nut-gathering neighborhood squirrels. That includes flying squirrels, too. I guess it’s too bad we missed that celebration this year.
With the Boston Marathon approaching in a couple of weeks, what is the distance of a marathon race?