Blog: Flying squirrels? Just the facts Randy Bilesky / Delta Optimist

The flying squirrel is a type of squirrel known for its ability to glide through the air. Usually found in deciduous, coniferous or mixed type of forest they are thankfully not endangered. Males and females look alike and their tail is flattened and large used as a rudder when they glide through the air. A special type of the furry membrane stretches between wrists and ankles serving as a parachute while jumping from tree to tree to the ground. They can make 180 degree turns during gliding and use their thick paws as cushion for landing. They are active at night using their large eyes to see in the dark. Main predators of flying squirrels are raccoons, coyotes, owls, foxes and birds. Flying squirrels are highly social animals living in a woodpecker hole in groups of squirrels and sometimes share their dens with other animals like as bats and screech owls. The average lifespan up to five years.