Yosemite Spots Rare Red Fox for First Time in Over a Century

An exceptionally rare red fox species was recently spotted in Yosemite National Park for the first time in nearly a century, reassuring conservationists that at least the fox is still around.

According to the National Park Service, the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) is one of the rarest mammals in North America. It has been estimated there are fewer than 50 of these animals remaining in the wild after years of logging, hunting, livestock expansion, and climate change cut thier numbers again and again.

The expansion of coyote territory and the mass decline of wolves in the past has also threatened their existence. Where once fox and wolves shared hunting grounds, exclusively going after different prey, coyotes steal fox prey while also attacking the smaller hunters. The invasion of non-native foxes, who may fare better in these conditions, has also led to the decline of the Sierra Nevada red fox.

The result is that the last time any US Forest Service survey documented one of these red foxes was back in 2010, when a tiny population was found just outside of Yosemite. And while finally finding one in the protected park is great news, it may not necessarily mean the population is expanding. They may have just moved.

All the same, Don Neubacher, the superintendent of Yosemite National Park, said he was thrilled to hear about the sighting.

"National parks like Yosemite provide habitat for all wildlife and it is encouraging to see that the red fox was sighted in the park," he said in a statement.

The animal was spotted by two separate motion-activated cameras within the park on Dec. 13 and Jan. 4, confirming that the animal, and perhaps others, have stayed within park boundaries.

And that's great news for wildlife biologists like Yosemite's Sarah Stock.

"Confirmation of the Sierra Nevada red fox in Yosemite National Park's vast alpine wilderness provides an opportunity to join research partners in helping to protect this imperiled animal," she explained. "We're excited to work across our boundary to join efforts with other researchers that will ultimately give these foxes the best chances for recovery."

Experts are already setting up new camera stations and hair traps in an attempt to gather data and samples on this exceptionally rare and beautiful fox.

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