The Sierra Nevada red fox is one of the rarest mammals in the American West. These foxes make their homes in remote, subalpine habitats that are typically above 4,500 feet in elevation. The snowy, rugged and difficult to access terrain creates not only a challenge for those looking to study these foxes but also, for decades, has allowed them to slip under the radar. Recent field work and new federal attention, though, are helping to shine a light on this mysterious fox.
As we gain a better understanding of Sierra Nevada red foxes and as federal protections are considered, these foxes' future could depend on what we do next.
What makes Oregon’s Southern Cascades foxes special?
Compared to the more common gray fox, Sierra Nevada red foxes have longer legs, a slender build, black-backed ears and a distinctive, white-tipped tail. Their coats come in a range of shades - red, silver or even black - but tend to be more uniform than the salt-and-pepper look of their gray cousins.
Many of these adaptations help this fox live in high elevation habitats and give them an edge over coyotes and other predators.
Sierra Nevada red foxes are native to the high mountains of California and Oregon. They were historically found across the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascades and Klamath Mountain Ranges. Today, however, there are two populations separated by nearly 100 miles of unsuitable habitat with no observed dispersal between groups, making the two populations genetically distinct.
Defenders of Wildlife is already deeply engaged in protecting the Sierra Nevada distinct population segment, and we are now also turning our attention to the Southern Cascades distinct population segment.
The Southern Cascades Sierra Nevada red fox ranges from Mount Hood in northern Oregon down to Lassen Peak in northern California, with known smaller populations in the Three Sisters Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Despite this wide range in the Southern Cascades, the subpopulations are very small, isolated and separated by significant gaps. These factors are a cause for concern when it comes to long-term viability.
Why We’re Watching Closely
Unlike the Sierra Nevada distinct population, which was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2021, the Southern Cascades population was thought to be faring somewhat better. Advocates, however, remained concerned about the population’s recovery and submitted a listing petition, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service responded to in August 2025 when they released a 90-day finding. The finding concluded that listing may be warranted, based on evidence of multiple threats to population viability.
One major threat is the small size and isolation of the Southern Cascades Sierra Nevada red fox populations. Small population size makes these foxes more sensitive to catastrophic events, like wildfire or disease outbreak. Isolation between populations increases the risk of breeding events between related individuals, resulting in loss of genetic diversity. In some areas there are additional genetic concerns with hybridization with non-native red foxes from lower elevation fur farms.
Another threat is the increasing recreational activity, such as snowmobiling, in the fox’s alpine habitat. This can lead to habitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes and the habituation of foxes to human activity. Like other carnivorous mammals, potential exposure to toxins, including rodent poisons and other environmental toxicants, is an additional cause for concern.
FWS is actively seeking new data and observations from researchers, agencies and the public to better assess the species' status and will issue a final determination on listing likely sometime in late-2026.
Field Research and Fox Scat
Understanding Sierra Nevada red fox populations in Oregon has been challenging. The foxes are hard to find, and their numbers remain uncertain. Researchers are, however, making progress.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is using recently developed specific survey guidelines for detecting Sierra Nevada red foxes using trail cameras. They also launched a volunteer scat (fecal samples) collection program to support non-invasive population monitoring through genetic analysis. Defenders has begun participating in these efforts, collecting scats that could be from Sierra Nevada red fox from remote high mountain areas to help researchers estimate population size and genetic health. The scats are then sent to experts for identification and genetic analysis.
How You Can Help
Keeping Sierra Nevada red foxes on the landscape means keeping their habitat intact and supporting the science that helps us understand them. If you find yourself exploring these foxes’ range, you can help by:
- Report sightings: If you see a red fox in Oregon’s high mountains, take photos of it from a safe distance. Then send your pictures and report the location to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Volunteer for scat surveys: Field volunteers are helping collect Sierra Nevada red fox scat for DNA analysis. You can get trained by wildlife professionals to learn how to survey for and detect fox scat. Reach out and we can connect you with the right folks at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Leave no trace: If you recreate in alpine areas, stay on established trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all trash and food waste.
- Spread the word: Stay tuned for more updates on these foxes and be sure to share their story with your friends and family!
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