​Attend Fox Team Training
We'll be hosting two separate sessions to choose from: 
Wednesday, May 12th
or
Tuesday, June 08th 
7:00-8:30pm
Picture
Sierra Nevada red fox below Mt. Hood. Wolverine Tracking Project Camera Survey, Summer 2020.
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
Training is open to new and returning volunteers.

Not able to attend, or are a returning volunteer? We'll set you up with everything you need to know for the season!
​Read on for more information about the Sierra Nevada red fox and what's involved in a survey.
Contact us with any questions!

sierra nevada red fox scat survey: 
​Wolverine Tracking Project

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
Picture
A Sierra Nevada red fox climbs over a snag. Camera Survey, Winter 2017-18.
Picture
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 also 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.
Picture
Summer 2021 Fox Survey Locations
Picture
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.
  • ​​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 
*Due to precautions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, we are asking that volunteers supply genetic sample collection materials (paper bags, ruler, disposable gloves) and to print your own materials (handbooks, maps, and data sheets). However, please let us know if you would like us to provide these for you, and we are happy to arrange a pickup time.
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.
Picture
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.

join the sierra nevada red fox survey

Online registration for the SN Red Fox Scat Survey:
​2. Once you register, we will provide you with:
  • The Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey Handbook, which includes detailed instructions and a guide to scat identification.
  • All materials you will need to collect scat (you may also provide your own).
  • An in-office training at your convenience (optional).
  • Maps of trails and guidelines for choosing your own trails in suitable areas we would like surveyed.
    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 
Contact us with any questions or feedback