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    • Who We Are
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    • Land Acknowledgment
    • Board of Directors
    • Supporters
    • Contact
    • Annual Report
    • Covid-19 Response
  • Wolverine Tracking Project
    • About the WTP >
      • About the WTP
      • WTP Findings
    • Camera Surveys
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      • Wolf Scat Survey
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      • Be a Tracking Leader
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JOIN THE FOX TEAM!
SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF RARE SIERRA NEVADA RED FOX ON MT HOOD

sierra nevada red fox scat survey: 
​Wolverine Tracking Project

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About the sierra nevada red fox

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. 

Goals of the Sierra Nevada Red Fox scat survey

 The genetic data from the scat survey will be used by researchers to determine the
  • 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 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Data about Sierra Nevada red fox is shared with a variety of partners, including: Cascades Carnivore Project, Mt Hood National Forest Service, and Defenders of Wildlife.

​Read more: About Scat Surveys
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A Sierra Nevada red fox climbs over a snag. Camera Survey, Winter 2017-18.
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Sierra Nevada red fox. Camera Survey, Winter 2019-20.

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 hiking on mountain trails.
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 (see map on right/below). We encourage participants to hike with friends or to join other scat surveyors. 

​We also encourage you complete at least 2 scat surveys (or one multi-day backpacking trip), to improve both our dataset and your experience with the Fox Team. However, you are welcome to do as many surveys as you are able, from one to one-hundred.
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Summer 2021 Fox Survey Locations
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Silver (black) phase of a Sierra Nevada red fox. Camera Survey, Winter 2017-18.
We provide materials, including:
  • ​The Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey Handbook, with detailed instructions and a guide to scat identification.
  • Genetic Sample Collection Kit (paper bags, ruler, disposable gloves)
  • ​​Maps of suggested trails and guidelines for choosing your own trails.
    -Planning on hiking the Timberline Trail or alpine trails in that area? This is excellent survey habitat!
  • Data sheets and instructions for scat collection drop-off 
If you would like to supply your own materials to avoid having to travel to our office, you are welcome to do so.
Participant Qualifications: 
Everyone is welcome to join this survey. However, you will need the following skills and equipment:
  • Transportation to and from trailheads
  • Ability to hike on trails in varying conditions
  • Ability to follow sample collection instructions and protocols
  • Phone or camera to take photos of scat samples prior to collection
  • GPS or mobile device to record location hiked, distance traveled, and the location of any samples - or the ability to relay this information on a map
  • Personal gear and personal safety gear - see our packing list for recommendations
    ​​​​
*Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
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A Sierra Nevada red fox, high above treeline, says hello to the camera. Camera Survey, Summer 2019.
All volunteers have the option to receive the Cascadia Wildlife Weekly Newsletter, which includes all the week's best wildlife photos and news - and have access to all of the season's camera photos - exclusive for volunteers and members! 
​
Volunteers also have access to the data collected in one season, and are eligible to receive discounts on select Cascadia Wild classes, events, and programs.

training

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Before heading out to the field, we ask participants to attend one online training session. In this training, we will set you up with all you need to know about one of the most elusive animals of Mt. Hood National Forest - and North America - and how to conduct a Fox Survey.

In the training, you will learn about
  • Goals of the Wolverine Tracking Project and the Fox Survey
  • History and status of the Sierra Nevada red fox
  • How this survey helps protect native wildlife
  • How to plan a survey, where to hike, and what to do on a survey

Choose from one of two sessions (online):
  • May 11, 6:30-8:00pm
  • June 7, ​6:30-8:00pm

The training will be recorded for those unable to attend.

ready to join the fox team?

Register via the link below.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!
FOX TEAM
Interested but have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to talk with you!
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We'll set up with all you need to know about one of the most elusive animals of Mt. Hood National Forest - and North America - and how to conduct a Fox Survey.
Learn more about:
  • Goals of the Wolverine Tracking Project and the Fox Survey
  • History and status of the Sierra Nevada red fox
  • How this survey helps protect native wildlife
  • How to plan a survey, where to hike, and what to do on a survey​
Join the Fox Team
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the Sierra Nevada Red Fox Survey this summer!
Check back in spring of 2022 for information on next summer's volunteer opportunities. If you'd like to receive a notice when we open registration for the next season, sign up for the WTP Mailing List. Read on to find out more about the goals and structure of the Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey.
WTP Mailing List
​Read on for more information about the Sierra Nevada red fox and what's involved in a survey.
Contact us with any questions!
Volunteer Login:
Camera Crew
Fox Team
Wolf Team

Tracking Team​
​5431 NE 20th Ave Portland OR 97211
info@cascadiawild.org
503-235-9533
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