The animal known for its ability to glide and soar is the flying squirrel. These mammals belong to the family Sciuridae and have a special adaptation called the patagium, a membrane that stretches from their wrists to their ankles. This adaptation allows them to glide between trees and escape predators. While they cannot truly fly like birds, they can cover significant distances while descending gracefully through the forest canopy. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and primarily feed on fruits, nuts, and fungi. Their unique locomotion makes them fascinating creatures of the night sky.