| Size: | Depending on the species of flying squirrel. |
| Colouring: | Generally, flying squirrels have predominantly gray-and-brown coats, with generally white underparts, though they vary from species to species. |
Flying squirrel
(fam: Sciuridae)
Description:
Flying squirrels are mammals and they are a tribe of 44 species of squirrels in the family Sciuridae, but despite their name they cannot actually fly in the same way as birds or bats but are able to glide from one tree to another tree. They have skin between their forelegs and hind legs which tightens when they stretch their extremities, allowing them to glide in the air. It is estimated that they can glide a distance of up to 90 meters. During the glide they use their tail for stabilization and steering.
Did you know...?
Flying squirrels can make a 180 degree turn during their glide.
