

Flying isn't just for the birds. A stretchy membrane and rudder-like tail help this little mammal sail through the treetops, avoiding land-bound predators with ease.

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When you've got fur instead of feathers, going airborne takes some guts.

But the flying squirrel never hesitates to leap into the void.

Luckily, he comes equipped with a built-in parachute.

A membrane stretches from wrist to ankle, turning the squirrel into a living, breathing paper airplane.

With each leap, the squirrel takes aim and spreads its body into a square.

A cartilage rod attached to their wrists helps them steer during flight.

The rodents glide through the forest like ghosts, their tails acting as a stabilizer...and a brake.

They may look like daredevils, but flying squirrels have plenty to be scared of.

Snakes, owls, raccoons and even cats constantly hunt them.

But no matter what, this squirrel will always have an escape plan.

Gliding is like a built-in life insurance policy.

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