5 animals you didn’t know could fly. However, there are many creatures that have developed ways to glide or soar through the air to escape predators, find food, or move from one place to another. These flying animals may not look like your typical flyers, but their ability to glide is just as impressive as the flight of birds.
These creatures have adapted in remarkable ways to make the most of their environments. Some can glide from tree to tree, while others can even “fly” underwater. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating flying animals.
1. Flying squirrels
Flying squirrels don’t actually “fly” in the traditional sense, but they are excellent gliders. These small, nocturnal creatures have a special membrane called a patagium that stretches between their front and back legs. When they leap from a tree, this membrane allows them to glide through the air for distances of up to 300 feet. Flying squirrels use this ability to move between trees while avoiding ground-based predators like foxes or snakes.