flying squirrel

American  

noun

1. any of various nocturnal tree squirrels, as Glaucomys volans, of the eastern U.S., having folds of skin connecting the fore and hind legs, permitting long, gliding leaps.

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flying squirrel British  

noun

1. any nocturnal sciurine rodent of the subfamily Petauristinae , of Asia and North America. Furry folds of skin between the forelegs and hind legs enable these animals to move by gliding leaps

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Etymology

Origin of flying squirrel

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Shadow did not step on one of his chicks, the organization wrote, nor did Jackie accidentally knock a chick from the nest while slapping away a flying squirrel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2025

For example, it has been reported that EU legislation to protect the rare Siberian flying squirrel has also slowed down major infrastructure projects in places like Finland.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2024

The number doesn’t include small mammals and low-mobility species often missed by cameras, like the northern flying squirrel, Pacific tree frog, banana slug and coastal giant salamander.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2024

“It’s a flying squirrel that lives in a bit of a more barren landscape,” Helgen said.

From Washington Post • Apr. 11, 2023

And then she noticed that the cook was leaping and twirling, waving his knife and trying to reach the flying squirrel.

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo