Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels do not actually fly. Instead, they glide through the air using special flaps of skin. These flaps stretch between their front and back legs like a built-in parachute. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and are rarely seen during the day.

How They Glide

When a flying squirrel leaps from a tree, it spreads its legs wide. The skin flaps catch the air and let the squirrel glide. It uses its flat tail to steer. A flying squirrel can glide up to 150 feet in a single leap!

Night Life

Flying squirrels come out at night to search for food. They eat nuts, seeds, fruit, and insects. Their large eyes help them see well in the dark. In cold weather, many flying squirrels huddle together in tree holes to stay warm.

Fun Facts

• Some flying squirrels can glide over 150 feet in a single leap.
• Flying squirrels glow pink under ultraviolet light, and scientists are not sure why.
• There are about 50 species of flying squirrels around the world.

Did You Know?

Flying squirrels are more common than most people think! They live in forests across North America, but since they come out only at night, people rarely see them.