Why is a flying squirrel labeled as ';flying'; when it can't fly?

They are called flying for the same reason as flying fish are. Both animals appear to fly, until one looks more carefully and discovers they leap and glide. They can, however, cover impressive distances. It apparently works out quite well for them as they are found in much of the eastern US and parts of Mexico.Why is a flying squirrel labeled as ';flying'; when it can't fly?
it can't fly in that it can't flap it's 'wings'. it spread is arms and legs and uses the webbed skin between to glide from tree to tree.





so it should be called a gliding squirrel ...Why is a flying squirrel labeled as ';flying'; when it can't fly?
it spreads its arms( and flaps) and leaps, enabling it to soar through the air. gliding is a good word for it, like the other guy said
Because I guess they didn't like the word ';gliding';