WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT:
sierra nevada red fox scat survey:
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.
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
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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.
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 |
A Sierra Nevada red fox climbs over a snag. Camera Survey, Winter 2017-18.
Sierra Nevada red fox. Camera Survey, Winter 2019-20.
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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.
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.
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When and where you hike is up to you!
The scat surveys are mostly self-organized, dependent on the individual's hiking abilities, time commitment, and preferences. Furthermore, due to the tendency of canines to use scat to mark their territory and hence leave it in visible places, these surveys do not require off-trail travel. Most of your responsibility is to pick a trail and watch your step! We have 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, going out whenever works best for you. 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. We will also organize two group surveys this summer for those who want to meet other volunteers and work with a group. Group survey dates are: Saturday June 24 Sunday July 16 |
Summer 2021 Fox Survey Locations
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Silver (black) phase of a Sierra Nevada red fox. Camera Survey, Winter 2017-18.
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We provide materials, including:
If you would like to supply your own materials to avoid having to travel to our office, you are welcome to do so.
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Participant Qualifications: Everyone is welcome to join this survey. However, you will need the following skills and equipment:
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A Sierra Nevada red fox, high above treeline, says hello to the camera. Camera Survey, Summer 2019.
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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.
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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SUMMER 2023
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
Choose from one of two sessions (online):
The training will be recorded for those unable to attend. |
REGISTRATION HAS ENDED FOR SUMMER 2023
PLEASE CHECK BACK NEXT year!
Interested but have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to talk with you!
