Houdini of the High Mountains: the Endangered Sierra Nevada Fox
And the superheroes working to save them
My “Endangered Animal Series” started as an art project that featured an endangered animal and, within its face, symbols of its habitat. Now, as a story, I want to put a spotlight on this amazing creature. My goal is to not focus on the “why” an animal is endangered (most typically habitat destruction) but the “who” that are doing their part to help save this animal from extinction. I believe there is hope for these unique creatures.
The Stealthy Sierra Nevada Red Fox
Have you never heard of the endangered Sierra Nevada Red Fox? It’s not a surprise. With likely fewer than 50 foxes, they are one of the most rare animals in North America, yet they rarely make the news. The Sierra Nevada Red Fox is one of the only native red fox species found in the high mountain slopes of the CA Sierra Nevada and southern OR Cascade mountains.
Listed as endangered in 2021 in the CA Sierra Nevada region, this rare fox weighs less than many house cats at 7–9 pounds (unlike my chunky cat).
They hunt at night, donning thick camouflage coats of red, black, and/or silver, fuzzy paws, and long, flowing, white-tipped tails that help them survive the heavy snow and alpine conditions.
Their elusive nature, remote habitat of alpine (9000 feet), sub-alpine and dense forest, and small population size make them as illusory as Jason Bourne and just as impossible to catch for satellite collaring. But, unlike Bourne, they leave a trail behind — their scat.
Cue in:
Filson the Scat Sniffing Conservation Dog. Filson is one of the many rescued K9s trained to be a conservation superhero by the Rogue Detection Teams¹, a research institute in Steven’s County, WA, that is a resource to and for the field of conservation biology. They “collaborate with researchers, biologists, and agencies to locate data on cryptic species and odors in the wild”.
Filson is trained by his “bounders” (handlers) to sniff out fox poop, especially in areas where the Sierra Nevada Red Fox’s presence is rare or unknown. Why search for and survey scat? Genetic data testing helps researchers collect more information about this stealthy fox.
You, too, can collect poo!
Join the Fox Team of Cascadia Wild, a Portland-based, volunteer supported, nonprofit dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. They are looking for volunteer hikers and alpine explorers to lend their eyes (and watch their step!) while searching for the Sierra Nevada Red Fox scat on the trails of Mount Hood. Choose your own trail or hike any of the recommended trails. As a “Fox Team Scat Surveyor”, you will be provided training and supplies for the scat collection, all the while being able to boast to your friends about your new job title. Register by June 5th to join the poo team².
A different way to help
Can’t be part of the survey but want to help? You can become a Trail Camera Sponsor³ for Cascadia Wild. Your sponsorship helps support the project and provides you with access to the wildlife photos your camera captures. Say “cheese!”
These are just a few of the many agencies, organizations, scientists, biologists, and citizens working to save this beautiful fox. Knowing they are out there gives me hope for the preservation of this extraordinary species; the Sierra Nevada Red Fox.
¹ The Rogue Detection Teams also provide engaging and inspiring presentations for kids and adults — visit rogue dogs.org. Interested in becoming a “bounder”, email contact@roguedogs.org.
² Fox Team registration: https://www.cascadiawild.org/fox-survey
³ Learn more at www.cascadiawild.org/sponsor-a-trail-camera
