​WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT  
sierra nevada red fox scat survey

Often, the only way to detect an animal in an area is by the sign they leave behind - scat! This sign not only tells us about an animal's presence, but provides genetic samples that provide an abundance of valuable data.

Scat surveys are an important means of collecting information from otherwise elusive and difficult to study animals, making this survey method especially well-suited for the Wolverine Tracking Project's pursuit of rare carnivores in the Mt Hood National Forest.

​Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project

get involved

We are looking for hikers, amblers, trekkers, backpackers, and alpine explorers to lend their eyes while they are hiking on mountain trails. ​

​Sierra Nevada red fox, like other canines, use scat to mark their territory, and often leave it on trails or other travel corridors. Choose your favorite trail on Mt Hood, and watch your step! 

We provide training, supplies, and a list of recommended trails - keep scrolling for more information.

About sierra nevada red fox

The Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) is one of the rarest 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. 

Due to their montane habitat, low population numbers, and elusive nature,  there is much we do not know about them. In fact, their presence on Mt  Hood was only recently confirmed in 2012 - by the Wolverine Tracking Project!

Sierra Nevada red fox are one of the species of greatest concern in Oregon. The data collected will fill important information gaps about their distribution, ancestry, population size, and habitat connectivity. To answer these questions, we need to know not only that these foxes are here, but need their genetic information as well, making scat surveys a perfect survey method. 
​
Read more about the Sierra Nevada red fox.

where and when to go hiking

When and where you hike is up to you

Most scat surveys are self-organized, meaning that you get to choose when and where you go. We have recommend trails in Mt Hood National Forest that we have determined as the most likely habitats or where we have the most need for scat surveys (see map on right/below). Recommended survey areas include the Timberline Trail and its offshoots, Surveyor's Ridge area, and Badger Creek Wilderness.​ Choose a spot that fits your hiking abilities, time commitment, and preferences.

Hiking in a different area? Areas not on this map can yield great data as well! The range of the Sierra Nevada red fox may still not be fully documented, so looking in other areas may end up providing valuable new information. 

​After completing the training, we would like to to complete at least 2 scat surveys. However, you are welcome to do as many as you are able, from one to one-hundred.

group survey trips

We will organize two group surveys this summer for those who want to meet other volunteers, go out with a group, or see in-person how the surveys work.
​
Group survey dates:
Saturday, June, 14, 10:00-3:00
Saturday, July 12, 10:00-3:00
​Location TBD.​

Fox Survey Locations

equipment needed

We can provide materials, including:

• Genetic Sample Collection Kit: paper bags, paper ruler, disposable gloves​
• ​The Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey Handbook, with instructions and a guide to scat identification.
• ​​Maps of suggested trails and guidelines for choosing your own trails.

If you would like to supply your own materials to avoid having to travel to our office, you are welcome to do so.

training

​Before heading out to the field, volunteers need to attend an online training session. In this training, you will learn about:

• History and biology of the Sierra Nevada red fox
• How to plan a survey, where to hike, and what to do on a survey
• How to fill out the data sheet
• ​How to identify and safely collect scat.

When: Tuesday, June 3, ​6:30-8:00pm​​
Where: Online

The training will be recorded for those unable to attend.

Sierra Nevada red fox. Camera Survey, Winter 2019-20.

VOLUNTEER qualifications

Everyone is welcome to join the Fox Scat Surveys. However, you will need the following skills and equipment:

• Able to commit to carrying out at least two surveys during the summer.
• Transportation to and from trailheads
• Able to hike on trails in varying conditions
• Able to follow sample collection instructions and protocols
• Able to drop samples off at our office in NE Portland
  
• 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.

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! 
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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.

what is the scat used for?

The genetic data from scat samples provides information that can be used to answer many important research questions, including:

• Distribution and range of Sierra Nevada red fox
• Population size
• Ancestry and inbreeding with lowland, non-native red foxes
• Connectivity of red fox populations on different mountains​

This survey hopes to bridge some of thee gaps in knowledge about the Sierra Nevada red fox, to help wildlife researchers and managers understand their needs and better protect these rare fox. Scat samples will be analyzed by Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife and other researchers.

ready to join the fox team?

Register

Register by June 3

Are we interested from scat of other animals?

Yes! We are also interested in scat from two of our other target species, wolverines and wolves. 

Scat from canines, including wolves and fox, is possible to identify from visual characteristics (learn more about scat identification at the training). ​Wolverine scat, on the other hand, is not very distinctive. If you collect wolverine scat, it must also be accompanied by other sign to demonstrate it is from a wolverine. Read more about wolves and collecting their scat. 

Interested but have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to talk with you!

REGISTRATION HAS ENDED FOR SUMMER 2023
PLEASE CHECK BACK NEXT year!

This summer, the scat is being used by two different research projects. 

• Marwa Mahoud, graduate student at Washington State University, is studying red fox distribution throughout the Cascades.
• Salix Scoresby, graduate student with Northern Arizona University, is studying red fox diet.
• In addition, the data will be added to long term databases and made available to others who need it. Previous data has directly contributed to management and research publications. Read more about what the data has been used for.

A word from our partner:
​Hi! My name is Marwa Mahmoud, and I am a second-year master’s student in Daniel Thornton’s Mammal Spatial Ecology and Conservation lab at Washington State University (WSU). I am originally from the outskirts of the Seattle area and have spent 7 seasons working in the field throughout the Oregon and Washington Cascades. My master’s project at WSU focuses on identifying the drivers of distribution for the Sierra Nevada red fox (SNRF) in the Oregon Cascades. Last year we had a successful field season monitoring SNRF in the central Oregon region through scat collection and setting game cameras. I plan to continue my field work this summer to the North and South of Crater Lake National Park as well as in Mount Hood National Forest! In the Mount Hood region, we would love your help with collecting SNRF scat, and checking and taking down game cameras! If you love getting out on the trail and looking for wildlife poop, then I am looking forward to working with you this summer!

A Sierra Nevada red fox climbs over a snag. Camera Survey, Winter 2017-18.

A Sierra Nevada red fox, high above treeline, says hello to the camera. Camera Survey, Summer 2019.