The Flying Squirrel

Have you ever heard of the squirrel that can fly? Actually the flying squirrel can’t really fly, and it doesn’t have wings. It actually glides from one place to another. Between the wrists and the legs, flying squirrels have membranes of skin that stretch out giving it the ability to glide pretty far distances. Their long flat tails also help guide where they are gliding or going.

The flying squirrel also has very thick, dense, soft fur. Flying squirrels are brown and white in color. Brown is on the back and the white is underneath.

These squirrels feed on fruit, nuts, insects, as well as the buds on trees. These squirrels store nuts and foods for consumption during the winter. Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals. They have big eyes which help them see at night. They build their homes in trees, deserted buildings, and birdhouses. Flying squirrels are sometimes mistaken for bats.

Flying squirrels are typically found in the forests of Canada. This social animal has strong maternal instincts. The principal enemies of the flying squirrel are the owl, the hawk, and the domestic cat.

Flying squirrels seldom go down to the ground. Being on the ground makes them vulnerable to predators. Many times, the flying squirrel has been adopted as a pet. These pets are easy to care for and have cute, intelligent-looking faces. When the squirrel is made a pet at a young age, it is easy for the squirrel to form a strong attraction with humans.