Some time ago we considered the “flying squirrels” of Africa. North America also has flying squirrels. There are only three found in North America. The two most common are usually referred to as northern flying squirrels and southern flying squirrels. Although referred to as flying squirrels, it would be more appropriate to call them “gliding” squirrels, as we will see.
These squirrels are very impressive 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 300 or more feet. They usually finish up at a lower point from where they started. The exception to this is some very short flights. 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 loose when they are not flying. But when gliding through the air with all four legs stretched out, this loose skin becomes a perfect parachute under their full control.
It only takes a slight movement of their legs to direct their flight. Their flat tails with special feathered fur help them change direction midflight and are also important for stopping their flight. They always land upright, with strong claws grabbing the tree trunk. Then they usually 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 weeks old, their very excellent mother begins their flight training.
Aside from the ability to glide, which other squirrels would never attempt, their lives are much the same. One exception is that they are nocturnal (awake at night and asleep during the day), which is probably why most of us never see them. They make nests in decayed holes in large trees with enough space for food supplies, and also in attics. Their food is mainly nuts and seeds, but at times includes berries, grasshoppers and an occasional bird’s egg.
Our lead verse tells us that the Lord made everything, and without Him, nothing was made. Not one thing that is part of the creation was made without Him. That includes you. I hope that helps you realize how important your life is. Your life is no accident, and you are not worth less than other people. The Lord made you for His purpose. It is good to ask Him what His purpose for our lives is.
Messages of God’s Love 3/12/2023