The eastern flying squirrel, one of 267 species of squirrel found worldwide, is highly modified for an arboreal existence. The presence of a large flight membrane, called a patagium, between the front and hind legs allows the flying squirrel to engage in controlled gliding when moving between trees. Flying squirrels feed primarily on seeds, nuts, fruits, and  occasionally on fungi and insects.
      Flying Squirrel, any of several rodents that glide from higher to lower tree branches by means of a membrane of furry skin stretched between their long forelegs and hind legs. Flying squirrels are active at night. They have largeeyes, dense soft fur, and long flat tails, which are used to steer theirglides.
      The best known of the two North American species, the eastern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans in Greek, lives in groups; nests in tree hollows, birdhouses, and buildings; and rarely descends to the ground. Scaly-tailed flying squirrels, of the family Anomaluridae, inhabit Africa and are not considered true squirrels.

                    Produced By: David Slade
                                              Chad Griffiths