How Does a Flying Squirrel Fly?

The flying squirrel doesn't really fly. It spreads out a flap of skin, or membrane, that stretches from its front legs to its back legs. This lets it glide on air currents. That's also how hang gliders work. The giant flying squirrel is seldom seen because it is nocturnal. It is characterized by its flying membrane, which is an extension of the skin that covers its body. It can normally glide 60 to 90 feet (18 to27 m) but sometimes can manage as far as 600 feet (180 m). It not only flies in a straight line but an use its tail to change direction and can even move up or down. The Eurasian flying squirrel is shaped like the giant flying squirrel but is much smaller.