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In the Unicoi Mountains of Graham County, endangered northern flying squirrels are not able to glide across the width of the Cherohala Skyway.
In an effort to solve the problem, biologists have posted utility poles as artificial crossing structures at key locations to help narrow the gap.
Why don’t northern flying squirrels cross the Skyway?
- Width of road, including pavement and cleared shoulders, exceeds their gliding ability
- Predators patrol the road at night
- Briars are thick along the shoulder, possibly hindering movement
What are the utility poles for?
The poles act as surrogate trees that will serve as launch pads to help the Carolina northern flying squirrels glide across the Skyway until nearby trees mature enough to serve as natural launch points. Currently, the width of the road corridor, including pavement and shoulders, exceeds the squirrel’s gliding ability and telemetry studies show that they do not cross the road. The poles are quite similar in texture and size to some of the dead trees the squirrels use for denning.
Could you use a rope bridge instead?
A rope bridge would still need to be attached to something sturdy like a utility pole and there were concerns about heavy ice accumulation pulling down a rope bridge, posing a hazard to motorists. Also, they could be vulnerable to predators.
What are the other structures attached to the poles?
There are escape shelters made of PVC pipe that the squirrels can duck into in the event that they are threatened by an owl. The 10-foot long beam at the top is the launch pad. It is aimed toward the road to help narrow the gap. If a squirrel jumps from the launch pad, it should be able to make it to the base of the opposite pole.
Do the poles work?
The poles were installed by Duke Energy in June 2008. The commission will lead efforts to determine if squirrels will use the poles. Utility poles were used successfully to bridge the gap for a similar gliding marsupial squirrel in Australia. Those animals used the poles, usually leaping from the launch pad, and landed on the nearest pole or tree.
This project was a cooperative effort between NC Wildlife Resources Commission, U.S. Forest Service, NC Department of Transportation, Duke Energy, Western Carolina University, and two dedicated interns.
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