FLYING SQUIRREL

Educational Information

The flying squirrel does not actually fly. Instead, it uses two “parachute-like” membranes (loosely stretched between its wrists and ankles) to glide through trees. While airborne, the squirrel’s tail acts like a kite tail or “rudder” helping to stabilize the squirrel’s body as it travels along. When the squirrel is ready to touchdown, the tail helps to “brake” its landing.