What two mammals can fly?

Introduction

When we think of flying animals, the first thing that comes to mind is typically a bird. However, there are two mammals that can also fly. These two mammals are the bat and the flying squirrel. While these two mammals have the ability to fly, they do so in very different ways. In this post, we will explore the unique characteristics of each mammal and how they fly.

What two mammals can fly?

Bats

Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. They have wings that are made up of thin layers of skin stretched between their fingers. This thin layer of skin is called a patagium and it allows bats to soar through the air. Bats are able to fly because they have a unique arrangement of bones in their wings that allow them to flap their wings in a way that is similar to birds.

Bats use their wings to navigate their environment, as well as to capture prey. They have an excellent sense of hearing and use echolocation to locate their prey. This is done by emitting high-frequency sound waves and then listening for the echoes that bounce back. Bats can then use this information to locate their prey and swoop down to capture it.

Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels are not capable of true flight like bats, but they do have the ability to glide through the air. They have a thin layer of skin, called a patagium, that stretches from their wrists to their ankles. When they jump from a high point, they spread out their arms and legs and the patagium catches the air, allowing them to glide through the air.

Flying squirrels are able to cover a great distance when they glide and they can also maneuver in the air. They use their tails to help steer and they can even make sharp turns and sudden stops. Flying squirrels use this ability to escape predators, as well as to find food. They can glide from tree to tree in search of nuts, berries, and other food sources.

Conclusion

Bats and flying squirrels are two mammals that have the ability to fly. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly, while flying squirrels are able to glide through the air. Bats use their wings to navigate their environment and to capture prey, while flying squirrels use their patagium to glide from tree to tree in search of food. Both of these mammals have adapted to their environment in order to survive, and their ability to fly has allowed them to do so.

What two mammals can fly?

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