NEST TREES OF NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA

We examined the nest-tree preferences of northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in an old-growth, mixed-conifer and red fir (Abies magnifica) forest of the southern Sierra Nevada of California. We tracked 27 individuals to 122 nest trees during 3 summers. Flying squirrels selected nest trees that were larger in diameter and taller than either random trees or large (>50-cm diameter at breast height) nearest-neighbor trees. Snags were used more often than live trees relative to their availability. Nest trees were usually close to riparian habitat; 86% of nest trees were