From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters, communities take root in the land and in water. We live, work, laugh and grow alongside our human and animal neighbors alike. We may not know their names or always see them, but we recognize their songs, their tracks and, when they’re gone, their absence.
When you think of Oregon, you may see yourself enjoying a book from an independent bookstore as you sit on the rugged beach or explore a forest surrounded by Douglas-fir trees. Or maybe you picture yourself casting a fishing line into a cool, flowing river while enjoying a craft beverage. Nature is woven into the identity of the Beaver State.
But beavers, the official state animal, are not the only furry critters making the most of the state’s copious public and wild lands. Oregon is home to over 100 terrestrial — or land-dwelling — animals from the tiny American pika to the majestic Roosevelt elk.
But today’s stars are more…foxy.
Oregonians and visitors alike are most likely to see a red fox trotting across their path, as they are the most widespread of the four fox species found in the state. Outdoor explorers and campers may also catch a glimpse of a gray fox in mixed and coniferous forests, brushlands, or along rivers.
Only the lucky adventurers to the dry, desert ecosystems of the Southeast corner of Oregon may see an elusive kit fox. But some Oregonians may be familiar with the rarest, high-elevation fox in their state: the Sierra Nevada red fox.
Adapted for their Unique Homes
Sierra Nevada red foxes are native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California and the southern Cascade Range extending into Oregon. They occupy subalpine and alpine zones, including meadows, forests and rocky terrain.
These foxes are built for their cold and snowy homes. They have thick fur, particularly around their paws, to keep them warm and provide additional traction on snow and ice.
Kit foxes are also well adapted to their home, which is quite the opposite of their Sierra Nevada counterparts! Yet these two foxes both share a common trait: furry paws.
The extra fur on kit foxes’ paws protects them from blistering on hot sands. They also have large ears to help keep them cool and minimize their time in the sun by being most active at night and utilizing underground burrows for shelter. These shelters also provide an escape from the cold during the winter.
Oregon: A High Home for an Endangered Animal
What’s the draw, for the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox, to Oregon? Oregon is filled with volcanic and geologic wonders. From Crater Lake – the deepest lake in the U.S. – to the high-elevation peaks of Mount Hood and the Three Sisters, Oregon provides an elevational range of diversity.
Research beginning in 2012 confirmed their presence in Oregon’s Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas through genetic testing of hair and scat. Additional populations were later found at Crater Lake National Park and around Mount Hood.
It’s all about the special adaptations – lightweight build and thick coat – that allow these foxes to live over 9,000 feet in elevation and have made these areas of Oregon a perfect home for Sierra Nevada red foxes.
In addition to exceptional landscape diversity, Oregon is bestowed with publicly owned natural spaces. There are 11 distinct national forests, covering roughly 16 million acres. That’s a whopping 25% of Oregon’s total land area! And another 28 to 30% are other types of public land.
When we protect the forests and land, we protect the wildlife that relies on them.
A Shared Home in Need of Protecting
While public lands are incredibly important for protecting habitat, what we do on the land also matters. A major threat to Oregon’s foxes is increasing recreational activity and habitat fragmentation. Snowmobiles in the Sierra Nevada red fox’s alpine home, for example, often lead to vehicle strikes and the habituation of foxes to human activity. Another threat is potential exposure to toxins, including rodent poisons. The good news is that both Oregonians and visitors to the Beaver State can help.
Residents can help protect their fox neighbors by avoiding rodent poisons whenever possible. Not only will it help protect foxes from secondary poisoning, but other predators on the landscape as well.
You can also embrace the “Oregon Way,” which refers to prioritizing good ideas over partisan politics. The Sierra Nevada red fox population in Oregon, known as the Southern Cascades Distinct Population Segment, is under review for listing under the Endangered Species Act. You can express your concern for this imperiled animal by weighing in on the listing process during public comment periods!
Anyone who sees a Sierra Nevada red fox while exploring their alpine habitats should report the sighting to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sending in a photo or any information about where you saw the fox helps researchers better assess the fox’s status.
It’s also important to stay on designated trails, pack out all trash and respect seasonal area closures while exploring. If you are adventuring via vehicle, please drive carefully and always lookout for animals who may be trying to cross the road. These small actions can keep both you and wildlife safe.
The best way Oregonians can display pride for these foxes is to become a volunteer citizen scientist. Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife hosts education events about Sierra Nevada red foxes and, along with wildlife conservation organizations like Defenders of Wildlife, is coordinating volunteer efforts to collect fox scat samples so we can better understand how many foxes remain in the wild.
Take Pride in Your Fox Neighbors
Imagine Oregon without its independent, small businesses. Imagine the beautiful landscapes paved over or ripped down. What would the Beaver State look like without its furry animals? Barren.
The next time you take pride in being an Oregonian, take pride in the wild souls who share this home with you. Embrace the Oregon Way. Eliminate your use of rodent pesticides. Explore the great outdoors while keeping your eye out for elusive foxes. Then, when you think you know everything about your fellow Oregonian foxes, challenge yourself to learn about the other wildlife sharing our beautiful home.
What's your favorite Oregon wildlife? Do you have an incredible fox story? Share with us in the comments! Then, stay tuned for our next wild locals in North Carolina.
