What is an endangered Virginia Northern flying squirrel?

Two subspecies of the northern flying squirrel are considered threatened in the Appalachians, and the Virginia and North Carolina populations are considered endangered. Conservation efforts have placed nest boxes in western and southwestern Virginia to encourage breeding.

In Virginia, the northern flying squirrel is found only in isolated populations at high altitudes. They are typically found in mixed conifer-hardwood forests and often live near streams and rivers. They normally produce two to four young each year. Conservation concerns include pollution and habitat fragmentation and destruction. Flying squirrels may help disperse plant seeds and spores, and they are prey animals for owls, hawks, martens, weasels and coyotes.