Flying Squirrel

The flying-squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is a sociable, noisy rodent that doesn't really fly; it glides from trees, using a flap of loose skin that connects its front and hind legs It can glide up to 150 feet (46 m), steering with its tail.

It lands on a tree trunk, gripping it with all four feet.

This squirrel is nocturnal (most active at night).

It has a life span of about 5 years in the wild, and about 13 years in captivity.

Flying-squirrels live in deciduous forests in North America.

The flying-squirrel is an endangered species. Anatomy: Flying-squirrels have brown-gray fur, large eyes, and clawed feet.

Northern flying-squirrels are about 8 inches (20 cm) long (plus a 6 inch (15 cm) long tail.

Southern flying-squirrels are smaller and more aggressive than Northern flying-squirrels.

Baby flying-squirrels are born in nests (usually in tree cavities) and are blind and hairless at birth.

Diet: Squirrels eat mostly plants, like seeds, nuts, leaves, maple sap, bulbs, bark, flowers, and roots. Less often, they eat insects, eggs, worms, eggs, small birds, and other small animals.

Predators: Flying-Squirrels are hunted by weasels, foxes, hawks, and coyotes.