sierra nevada red fox scat survey: 
​Wolverine Tracking Project

Planning on hiking the alpine trails of Mt Hood this summer?
​Want to help document and learn about our native wildlife?

Join the Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey! 
We will be happy to give you more information on scat identification, survey protocol, and how the data collected helps protect this rare mammal.
​Contact us to learn more!

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 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

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.
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. 
We provide collection materials
Including:
  • ​The Sierra Nevada Red Fox Scat Survey Handbook, with detailed instructions and a guide to scat identification.
  • All materials you will need to collect scat (you may also provide your own).
  • ​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 
Participant Qualifications: 
Everyone is welcome to join this survey. However, the following are your responsibility:
  • Transportation to and from trailheads
  • Comfortability hiking on alpine trails in varying conditions
  • Phone or camera to take photos of scat samples prior to collection
  • Ability to follow sample collection instructions and protocols
  • Access to 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 
​
*Participants under 18 years of age need to be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.

join the sierra nevada red fox survey

Contact Us
To register, set up a time to pick up materials,
and receive training at your convenience.
Online registration for the SN Red Fox Scat Survey:
Print and mail/drop-off 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