Editing Northern flying squirrel (section)

==Gliding==
[[File:Flying squirrel in a tree.jpg|left|thumb|Gliding]]

Flying squirrels do not actually fly, they glide using a [[patagium]] created by a fold of skin.<ref name = "Banfield 1974" /><ref name = "Forsyth 1999"/> From atop trees, flying squirrels can initiate glides from a running start<ref name = "Forsyth 1999" /> or from a stationary position by bringing their limbs under the body, retracting their heads, and then propelling themselves off the tree.<ref name = "Banfield 1974">Banfield AWF. 1974. The mammals of Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.</ref><ref name = "Forsyth 1999" /> It is believed that they use [[triangulation]] to estimate the distance of the landing as they often lean out and pivot from side to side before jumping.<ref name = "Walker and Paradiso 1975"/> Once in the air, they form an "X" with their limbs, causing their membrane to stretch into a square-like shape<ref name = "Walker and Paradiso 1975" /> and glide down at angles of 30 to 40&nbsp;degrees.<ref name = "Forsyth 1999" /> They maneuver with great efficiency in the air, making 90&nbsp;degree turns around obstacles if needed.<ref name = "Forsyth 1999" /> Just before reaching a tree, they raise their flattened tails, which abruptly changes their trajectory upwards, and point all of their limbs forward to create a [[parachute]] effect with the membrane to reduce the shock of landing.<ref name = "Walker and Paradiso 1975" /> The limbs absorb the remainder of the impact, and the squirrels immediately run to the other side of the trunk or to the top of the tree to avoid any potential [[predator]]s.<ref name = "Walker and Paradiso 1975" /> Although graceful in flight, they are very clumsy walkers and if they happen to be on the ground in the presence of danger, they will prefer to hide rather than attempt to escape.<ref name = "Banfield 1974" /><ref name = "Forsyth 1999" />