Flying squirrel
Delightful mammals of the nighttime summer forest are the flying squirrel of the genus Glaucomys. Sometimes called "fairy diddles" flying squirrels sail from tree to tree on a flap of skin between their front and hind legs called a patagium. These gliding flights are usually 30 to 40 feet but flights up to 300 feet are possible.
The southern flying squirrels (G. volans) inhabits most Pennsylvania forests; while the northern flying squirrels (G. sabrinus) lives only in northern and mountainous regions and is considered to be a rather rare species. They do not hibernate but band together in a heat-conserving furry mass in tree cavities. These squirrels are slightly larger than a chipmunk and use old woodpecker nesting holes as home sites.
Native Americans called flying squirrels "Assapanick" meaning "flying gray mouse."
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