Saving Rocky in West Virginia

The West Virginia northern flying squirrel is coming off the federal endangered species list today, but not without some controversey, The Charleston Gazette reports.

"Two of three academic experts brought in by the Interior Department recommended against the delisting," the article said. "Those outside scientists backed wildlife advocates who said the agency had little data to support its claim that the squirrel has recovered."

Taking the squirrel off the list "would remove the general prohibition against killing the squirrels or seriously damaging vital habitat," The Gazette explains. "It would also relieve developers of various projects - from housing developments to wind farms or strip mines - from going through Endangered Species Act reviews or writing habitat conservation plans."

Besides the third academic reviewer, "the U.S. Forest Service backed the delisting, as did West Virginia's Divisions of Forestry and Natural Resources," the article continued. "Plum Creek Timber and the owners of Snowshoe Mountain Resort also submitted letters of support."

The Gazette also has photos, while Public Broadcasting (with audio) and The Associated Press have items as well.