Driving the woodrat's population decline are roads and development that fragment the forest and their rocky habitat, in addition to deadly roundworms from the raccoon scat they collect for seeds.

Their food supply is shaky, too.

The demise of the American chestnut trees evaporated a bonanza of nuts — a major food source for many animals years ago. Now small mammals are grappling with the loss of acorns as oak tree die-offs are caused by the spongy moth.

Populations of the creatures are so sparse that the woodrats have begun inbreeding.

"We have a lot of things working against this little critter," Otterbein said.

The state Game Commission is consulting with a nutritionist and geneticist to collect woodrat dropping to analyze what they are eating.

"We're able to determine nutritional value with what is available. We work with land managers and foresters to get more mast-bearing plantings like oaks and berries that will benefit not just the woodrat, but provide more food to benefit the entire community of species that use those habitats."

The commission even brought in rocks to some areas to allow the woodrats to move and expand their footprint. The agency works with a captive breeding program with other states and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

This spring the plan is to introduce new genetically diverse individuals to the state's existing population. In addition, bait is being set out to deworm the raccoons living near woodrats.

The prognosis for saving this endangered animal is hopeful, Otterbein said. "We're seeing positive results from the feeding."

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