Flying Squirrel
| Introduction |
Flying squirrels are named for the way they glide through the air using the excess skin between their front and back legs. They can't really fly, just like flying fish cannot fly. Flying squirrels have olive-brown coloured fur, with white bellies, and are about the same size as the red squirrel. Flying squirrels live throughout most of the province and are just as common as other squirrels, but they are not seen as often because they are nocturnal. When flying the skin catches the air and allows them to descend more gently. This allows them to glide for distances of up to 40 metres. The northern flying squirrel, just like the red squirrel is commonly known as a pest in the area. They get into the attics of houses, and tear up the insulation to build nests for themselves. They can be found just about anywhere in the forest, at night. |