What is a "flying squirrel"?

The flying squirrel is a small, arboreal rodent known for its unique ability to glide from tree to tree using a specialized membrane of skin called a patagium that stretches from its neck to its fingertips, and from its toes to the tip of its tail. Flying squirrels have large, round eyes for excellent night vision and a flattened body shape that aids in gliding. They are primarily nocturnal, spending their days resting in tree cavities or leaf nests and emerging at night to forage for food. Flying squirrels are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are highly agile and acrobatic, using their sharp claws and strong hind legs to climb trees and glide from one tree to another with remarkable precision. They are also known for their social behavior, often living in small family groups and communicating with each other through a variety of vocalizations and scent markings. Flying squirrels are found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia, and are known for their unique ability to glide through the night skies, making them fascinating and charismatic creatures to observe in the wild.