Buoyed by its outstretched gliding membrane, it can soar an average of 6.1 - 9.1 m (20 - 30 ft) to land at the base of the next tree, which it then climbs to repeat the process. In addition to leaping from limb to limb, it travels from tree to tree by leaping into the air from a tree limb. The Southern Flying Squirrel is the only carnivorous member of the squirrel family. Sexual maturity is reached at about one year of age. At this age they are capable of gliding and begin foraging flights with the female. At 6 - 8 weeks of age, the young are weaned. By 3 - 4 weeks of age, the young are covered in fur and their eyes and ears are open. It is placed in an abandoned woodpecker cavity or other tree hole, and may be as high as 12.2 m (40 ft) from the ground. The nest is lined with shredded bark, grass, moss, or other plant material. From 2 - 7 naked, blind young are born after a 40 - day gestation period. The Southern Flying Squirrel has two breeding seasons per year, in January - February and again in June - July. This fold of skin, called a "patagium," serves as the gliding membrane when the limbs are fully extended. It has a loose fold of skin that connects the forelimbs to the hindlimbs from wrist to ankle. The Southern Flying Squirrel has large, black eyes, prominent ears, and a bushy, flattened tail. Adults range in size from 21 - 25 cm (8.3 - 9.8 in) in total length. The tail is gray above and pinkish cinnamon below. The fine, silky fur is gray in color on the back and white on the belly.
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