Flying Squirrel

gliding · tree life · adaptation

Super skilled gliders. Flying squirrels can't truly fly like birds or bats, but they use a stretchy skin membrane called a patagium that reaches from their wrist to their ankle to glide from tree to tree. It's like having a built-in parachute.

Tail for balance. Their long bushy tails aren't just for show, they work as a rudder to keep the squirrel stable and balanced while gliding through the air.

Special skeleton. Flying squirrels have longer arm and leg bones compared to regular squirrels, and shorter hand and foot bones, which gives them the perfect shape for gliding.

Steering experts. These squirrels have amazing control over their flight path and can steer left and right by moving their limbs and tail, almost like they're flying a tiny aircraft.