A recent article in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface describes a new view on the flight patterns of Flying Squirrels. Apparently, they are more sophisticated when flying than other creatures that have taken to the skies.
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Flying Squirrel © Shellie @ Firefly Creek
The scientists analyzed footage taken of the animals flying from tree to feeder in what was previously assumed to only be a simple glide pattern. However, we now know that these high-tech little friends are constantly making tiny adjustments to the fur covered membrane that stretches out like ‘wings’ between their appendages. In this way, they control the speed and direction of their flight. Jonathan Livingston Seagull would be proud.
Read more in the Journal here.