“By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.”
Colossians 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16)
Some time ago we considered the “flying squirrels” of Africa. North America also has flying squirrels. Their scientific name means “gray mouse that flies.” Today we will look at the ones usually referred to as the gray and a close relative called the red. Although referred to as flying squirrels, it would be more appropriate to call them “gliding” squirrels, as the following description of their activities will make clear.
These are most outstanding in their ability to make their way from tree to tree through the air without going to the ground. They have been known to glide more than one hundred feet and always finishing up at a lower point from where they started. They do this by launching themselves from high up in a tree and gliding through the air with legs outstretched. Here’s how it’s possible.
The Creator has provided them with special furry, loose skin (flight membranes) stretched between their front and hind legs. These membranes are very loose when they are not flying, in contrast with other squirrels that have smooth, tight, furry skin. But when gliding through the air with all four legs stretched out, this loose skin becomes a perfect parachute under their full control.
They also have flat tails that act as a rudder when gliding. These flat tails are most important also for stopping their flight. A squirrel suddenly will lift its tail straight up just before landing, which greatly reduces its speed.
They always land upright, with strong claws of the hind feet grabbing the tree trunk before the front feet make contact. Then they immediately scoot around to the opposite side of the tree — a God-given instinct, in case they may have been spotted by an owl or hawk that would like a squirrel supper. When the young squirrels are only five or six weeks old, the mother begins their flight training. She has them make short glides at first, gradually lengthening them until they become experts.
Aside from the ability to glide, which other squirrels would never attempt, their lives are much the same. They make nests in decayed holes in large trees with enough space for food supplies. Their food is mainly nuts and seeds, but at times includes berries, grasshoppers and an occasional bird’s egg.
The Bible tells us that the Lord God took pleasure in all His creation, and nothing came “just by chance.” You are a part of His creation too, and He wants you to know Him personally as your Saviour. Receive Him into your life as your Saviour and then follow the words of His promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:99That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:9)).
ML-12/02/2007