sierra nevada red fox scat survey:
Wolverine Tracking Project
Planning on hiking the alpine trails of Mt Hood?
Want to help protect and learn about our native wildlife?
Join the Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey!
Orientation June 16th, 7- 8 pm
Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland OR 97211 (map)
Want to help protect and learn about our native wildlife?
Join the Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey!
Orientation June 16th, 7- 8 pm
Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland OR 97211 (map)
About the sierra nevada red fox
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The Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) is one of the most rare mammals in North America. A subspecies of red fox, the Sierra Nevada red fox is found only on the mountain slopes of the Cascades south of the Columbia River and the California Sierra Nevadas. They are one of only three montane red foxes native to our region; the Cascades red fox is found in the Cascades north of the Columbia River, and the Rocky Mountain red fox is found throughout the Rockies, including in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, and was recently confirmed in central Oregon.
Their presence here dates back to before the last Ice Age: these foxes crossed into North America via the ice bridge from Asia. As the ice retreated, they retreated up to the higher elevations of their current range. Previously unknown on Mt Hood due to their elusive nature, alpine habitat, and small population size, the presence of Sierra Nevada red fox on Mt Hood was only recently confirmed in 2012 by Cascadia Wild's wildlife cameras under the Wolverine Tracking Project. Since then, we have been monitoring this animal's presence via our camera, tracking, and scat surveys. |
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Goals of the Sierra Nevada Red Fox scat survey
The genetic data from the scat survey will be used by researchers to determine the
The Sierra Nevada red fox is designated as a sensitive species and classified as a data gap species in Oregon. In 2016, the Sierra Nevada red fox was considered for protection as a threatened or endangered subspecies under the Endangered Species Act, but was denied due to lack of information. One of the areas lacking in information is population, its size and whether the full extent of their population is documented. There is also the question of their continued uniqueness as a subspecies in the face of potential interbreeding with other fox subspecies, such as the red foxes adapted to lower elevations, who are a mix of native ancestry and populations brought over from the eastern United States and from Europe. This survey hopes to bridge some of these gaps in our knowledge about the Sierra Nevada red fox so as to better protect and manage them.
- native ancestry,
- population size,
- distribution, and
- connectivity of these montane red fox populations.
The Sierra Nevada red fox is designated as a sensitive species and classified as a data gap species in Oregon. In 2016, the Sierra Nevada red fox was considered for protection as a threatened or endangered subspecies under the Endangered Species Act, but was denied due to lack of information. One of the areas lacking in information is population, its size and whether the full extent of their population is documented. There is also the question of their continued uniqueness as a subspecies in the face of potential interbreeding with other fox subspecies, such as the red foxes adapted to lower elevations, who are a mix of native ancestry and populations brought over from the eastern United States and from Europe. This survey hopes to bridge some of these gaps in our knowledge about the Sierra Nevada red fox so as to better protect and manage them.
Sierra Nevada red fox genetic samples are analyzed by Cascades Carnivore Project.
Data about Sierra Nevada red fox is shared with a variety of partners, including: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mt Hood National Forest Service, and Defenders of Wildlife.
Read more: About Scat Surveys
Data about Sierra Nevada red fox is shared with a variety of partners, including: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mt Hood National Forest Service, and Defenders of Wildlife.
Read more: About Scat Surveys
Structure
Like all our wildlife surveys, the Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey is entirely volunteer-run. For this particular survey, we are looking for hikers, amblers, trekkers, backpackers, and alpine explorers to lend their eyes while they are on mountain trails.
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When and where you hike is up to you!
The scat surveys are entirely self-organized, dependent on the individual's hiking abilities, time commitment, and preferences. Furthermore, due to the marking tendency of canines, these surveys do not require backcountry travel. Most of your responsibility is to pick a trail and watch your step! We will recommend trails and locations in Mt Hood National Forest that we have determined as the most likely habitats and where we have the most need for scat surveys. We also encourage participants to hike with friends or to join other scat surveyors. |
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We provide collection materials
Including:
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Participant Qualifications:
Everyone is welcome to join this survey. However, the following are your responsibility:
*Participants under 18 years of age need to be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian. |
join the sierra nevada red fox survey
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Attend Orientation, June 16th 7-8 pm
Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland OR 97211 (map) Learn more about the Sierra Nevada red fox, how data from this survey is being used by researchers and wildlife managers, and how to ID and collect samples. Bring your questions! |
Or, Contact Us
To register, set up a time to pick up materials, and receive training at your convenience. |
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© 2019 Cascadia Wild
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