13 Interesting Facts About Flying Squirrels

 4. Flying Squirrels Can Glide 300 Feet and Make 180-Degree Turns

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Though their name suggests otherwise, flying squirrels glide elegantly through the air and cover remarkable distances rather than being able to fly like birds or bats. Especially skilled in this kind of mobility is the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology estimates that these squirrels have an average glide distance of around 65 feet (20 metres), somewhat longer than a regular bowling lane. Though under the correct conditions northern flying squirrels may reach amazing glides of up to 295 feet (90 metres), their average distance is already amazing. An 11-inch (28-centimeter northern flying squirrel could glide almost the whole length of a soccer field or almost as far as the height of the Statue of Liberty. Their gliding capacity has really interesting mechanical underpining. Flying squirrels use their specialised skin membrane, the patagium, which runs from their wrists to their ankles. Like a parachute, this membrane lets them capture air and float gently from tree to tree. Their limbs, fluffy tails, and well-developed patagia muscles are absolutely vital for manoeuvrability; these help them to make quick rotations and swift motions mid-air. Flying squirrels are remarkably agile and controlled; they may complete complete semi-circles during one glide. Gliding is a crucial survival feature since it not only facilitates food foraging but also helps them avoid predators by means of their ability to negotiate the trees. Fascinatingly, flying squirrels' remarkable gliding ability transcends the smaller species existing in North America. Native to Asia, the red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) may reach an amazing 32 inches (81 cm) in length and weigh almost 4 pounds (1.8 kg.). Though bigger in scale, this species has been seen to make agile glides up to 246 feet (75 metres). This flexibility emphasises flying squirrels' evolutionary success in several habitats and their capacity to flourish in several surroundings. In their forested environments, flying squirrels benefit much from their capacity to glide great distances. It lets them reach food supplies like nuts and fruits from different trees that could be scattered over big distances. Gliding also helps them go swiftly between trees without having to drop to the ground, where they are more vulnerable to predators, so allowing them to avoid possible dangers. Flying squirrels' gliding skills are often a monument to their evolutionary adaptations and are absolutely vital for their existence.