The flying squirrel is one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom, not only for its unique ability to glide through the air, but also for the incredible acrobatics it performs while doing so.

With large, furry flaps of skin known as patagia stretching from its wrists to its ankles, the flying squirrel is able to launch itself from trees and glide for distances of up to 300 feet. These skilled gliders can change direction mid-air, making sharp turns and even flipping themselves over to glide upside-down.

But it’s not just their gliding abilities that make flying squirrels such impressive athletes. Their acrobatic skills come in handy when navigating their environment, such as evading predators or accessing hard-to-reach food sources.

One of the most impressive maneuvers that flying squirrels perform is the “parachute landing,” where they suddenly drop their bodies and spread out their limbs to slow their descent. This allows them to land safely and quietly on the ground, avoiding detection from predators.

Flying squirrels also show off their agility by leaping from tree to tree, using their strong hind legs to propel themselves and their patagia to new heights. They can even cling to tree trunks with their sharp claws and flatten their bodies to fit into narrow crevices.

Interestingly, flying squirrels are not actually capable of powered flight, and instead rely solely on gliding and their acrobatic abilities to survive. However, their precise control in the air rivals that of birds and bats.

Overall, the acrobatics of the flying squirrel are a sight to behold. Their ability to glide effortlessly through the forest while performing incredible aerial maneuvers is truly a marvel of nature.