Sierra Nevada Red Fox...Found!

The Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) is not listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act, but is California state Threatened. The only known current population is found around Lassen...or was until last month. Forest Service biologists had set up cameras for a potential project near Sonora Pass and were surprised by photos that appeared to be one of the elusive foxes. DNA from slobber on the bait (chicken parts inside a sock) confirmed it to be a Sierra Nevada red fox from the southern population, not recorded since the 1920s. A very cool find, not far from my backyard!

San Jose Mercury News article from September 4, 2010