Squirrels

There are various types of flying squirrels, especially in tropical forests. However, those of the Americas are two species in the genus Glaucomys. Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals. They nest in cavities in trees, and are proficient at gliding from higher to lower parts of trees, using a wide flap of skin stretching between their legs as their aerodynamic "wings." These animals feed on a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits, and insects, bird eggs, and fledglings when available. The southern flying squirrel (G. volans) occurs in a wide range of forest types throughout southeastern North America. The northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus) occurs farther to the north, and ranges across North America.