The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced a landmark achievement in alpine conservation, successfully capturing and GPS-collaring a Sierra Nevada red fox in the southern Sierra Nevada for the first time. This breakthrough provides scientists with a high-tech “window” into the lives of one of the rarest and most elusive carnivores in the state.
The capture, which took place in January near Mammoth Lakes, was the culmination of a decade of intensive research by biologists from the CDFW Bishop Field Office.
A Decade in the Making
For ten years, researchers have utilized remote cameras and scat surveys to map the range of the fox in the southern Sierra. This was followed by three years of intensive trapping efforts in the rugged, high-elevation terrain the species calls home.
“Everyone on the team was thrilled to see our hard work pay off,” said CDFW Environmental Scientist Julia Lawson.
“This represents the culmination of ten years of work… Our goal is to use what we learn from this collared animal to work toward recovering the population in the long term.”
Connecting the Dots from Lassen to the Southern Sierra
While this marks a first for the southern population, locals may recall similar efforts closer to home. In 2018, a team led by CDFW Wildlife Biologist Jennifer Carlson successfully collared several foxes in the Lassen National Park region. That project was a resounding success, helping biologists locate dens and gain a better understanding of reproduction and habitat use in Northern California.
Local outdoor adventure photographer Randy Robbins has also played a pivotal role in bringing these “ghosts of the mountains” to light. Robbins, who owns the Thousand Windows gallery in Susanville, was the first person to ever capture high-resolution professional images of the elusive fox at Lassen Volcanic National Park – a feat that required years of patience and specialized “camera trapping” techniques.
A Species on the Brink
The Sierra Nevada red fox is a distinct lineage found only in the high-elevation regions of California and Oregon. Unlike the more common valley red foxes, these alpine specialists have fur-covered toe pads and thick coats to survive freezing temperatures.
The situation for the species is critical:
Small Population: The total Sierra Nevada population is estimated at fewer than 50 individuals.
Dual Protection: The fox is listed as Threatened under the California Endangered Species Act and Endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Historical Decline: While the exact causes of their decline are unknown, unregulated hunting and trapping in the early 20th century, combined with low genetic diversity, have left the population vulnerable.
The Road to Recovery
The data gathered from this new GPS collar – along with biological samples taken during the capture – will help the CDFW understand the fox’s movement patterns and ecology.
This effort is part of California’s broader 30×30 Initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. By protecting rare species like the red fox, officials hope to strengthen the entire ecosystem, ensuring healthy wildlife populations for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
