Two flying squirrels glide through the night skies, one in the northern and one in the southern part of North America. They daily draw upon a war chest of built-in tools. Large opallike eyes on the sides of the head easily spot hawks, cats, and other predators, while rounded ears pick up suspicious noises. Strong, springy hind limbs propel tree squirrels from limb to limb, and their formidable claws and tough foot pads ensure a safe landing. Claws also help squirrels shovel soil when seeking buried treasure, after their keen noses have located underground acorns and other nuts.
Dexterous hands manipulate food and tamp down earth over buried food.
One of the most versatile of tree squirrel tools is the fluffy tail that provides balance during tightrope acts and added surface area for steering and cushioning a fall. Watch a squirrel in frigid weather, and you might see the animal's tail lying flat along its back, providing a cushion from the cold. On an icy or rainy day, the tip of the tail can act as an umbrella when held over the head. Squirrels also use their tails as signal flags. Two pairs of sharp incisors protrude from the front, flanked in the rear by powerful grinding teeth.