The Northern spotted lives in the mid-canopy of the forest.  This owl requires a large forested environment with a multi-layered canopy, large crowned old-growth trees, and snags. It generally nests in cool, shaded areas with a well-developed understory. It prefers to nest in the mid-canopy on the broken top of a snag or on platforms created by Dwarf Mistletoe. The Northern spotted owl preys on a wide variety of animals, but mostly eats small mammals like mice, squirrels, or voles.  Its favorite food to eat is the Northern Flying squirrels.