Sierra Nevada Red Fox Spotted in California National Park

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 27,2025

Rare Foxes Sniffing Around

Remote camera captures elusive Sierra Nevada red foxes.

• Sierra Nevada red foxes are among the rarest mammals in the world.
• Footage captured in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
• The species faces threats from wildfire, drought, and competition.

How many Sierra Nevada red foxes are left in the wild? The Sierra Nevada red fox, a critically endangered species, is estimated to have only 18 to 39 individuals remaining in the wild.

A wildlife photographer “struck gold” after his remote camera captured rare footage of Sierra Nevada red foxes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Northern California.

Rare Glimpse of Elusive Foxes

Randy Robbins shared video clips on social media showing the geographically isolated and highly threatened Sierra Nevada red fox.

The footage reveals two foxes with grey and white fur, one wearing a tracking collar, wandering during the day and trotting into the night. Robbins believes they were likely “sniffing for rodents.” “Daytime footage like this is pretty darn rare,” Robbins noted.

‘On the Edge of extinction’

the Yosemite Conservancy describes them as “one of the rarest mammals in the world.” According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), only about 18 to 39 individuals remain in the wild. The agency notes that these foxes, with their thick fur coats, inhabit higher elevations and are “believed to be on the edge of extinction.”

Camera in a Hard-to-Reach Area

The camera captured the foxes between late November and early december 2024, but Robbins retrieved the footage recently. He had set up the camera, with permission, at 8,500 feet in Lassen Volcanic National Park, known as one of the snowiest places in the United States.

“The main road through the park closes in the late fall and usually doesn’t open untill late May or early June,” Robbins said. “In this case, this was a camera that I set up in the fall and just retrieved a couple weeks ago. It was a 5-mile hike to retrieve the camera, and there was still huge amounts of snow to deal with.”

“The park road was still not open when I retrieved the camera,” he added.

Years of Pursuing Wildlife Photos

Robbins has been focusing on wildlife photography since 2018, after taking photos for many years. His passion sparked when he photographed one of the few wild gray wolves during their reintroduction in California.

“The difficulty and eventual success of photographing such a rare species sent me looking for other potential arduous subjects,” Robbins said. He uses “DSLR camera traps with infrared triggers to capture photographs” and trail cameras to scout locations and animal behaviour.

Initially drawn to “the challenge of capturing an image of such a rare animal,” Robbins has become “very attached to them” over the past three years.

“I see pursuing images of them as a way that I can help advocate for their conservation and recovery,” Robbins said. “This journey has put me in contact with many of the biologists and scientists doing the hard work of conservation of the species, and I am honored to have a small seat at that table.”

‘Still Want My Photo’

Robbins had mixed feelings upon seeing the footage.While delighted to capture the foxes up close, the photographer in him still desires a “high-resolution portrait photograph.”

“Seeing this video footage was hugely satisfying in terms of getting footage of the animal, and I couldn’t ask for any better video footage than this, but for me, the quest is not over,” Robbins said, adding, “I still want my photo.”

Sierra Nevada Red Fox Facts

Smaller than other fox species, the Sierra Nevada red fox has fuzzy paws and a thick fur coat to survive heavy snows and alpine conditions. Despite its name, they can be red, black, or grayish-brown, according to the USFWS.

Sightings have been reported in Alpine, Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono and Tuolumne counties, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The species is mainly threatened by “wildfire and drought, competition with coyotes, decreases in prey numbers and widespread hybridization with non-native foxes,” the agency says.

Robbins hopes his work will raise awareness for the species’ rehabilitation.

“It has been really encouraging to see the response from people,” Robbins said. “Everyone wants to see these foxes bounce back from the brink of extinction,and being able to provide this look at one in this amazing surroundings in Lassen Volcanic national Park has been an honor.”

“It has shown me that people are really interested and concerned, and do want to help and protect our natural world,” he added.

Did you know? The Sierra Nevada red fox’s thick fur helps it survive harsh winter conditions at high altitudes.

FAQ: Sierra Nevada Red Foxes

What are the main threats to the Sierra Nevada red fox?

The main threats include wildfire and drought, competition with coyotes, decreases in prey numbers, and hybridization with non-native foxes.

Where have sierra Nevada red foxes been spotted?

Sightings have been reported in Alpine, fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono, and Tuolumne counties in California.

How many Sierra Nevada red foxes are left?

Estimates suggest only 18 to 39 individuals remain in the wild.

Conservation Efforts and What you can Do

The discovery of Sierra Nevada red fox footage sparked interest in conservation. Dedicated professionals and everyday citizens alike have important roles in protecting these elusive creatures.

One of the core goals of conservation efforts is habitat preservation. Protecting and restoring the Sierra Nevada red fox’s natural environment is essential for its survival. this includes efforts to minimize the impact of wildfires and to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

According to the National Park Service, organizations collaborate on tracking the foxes. This process involves studies on distribution, population monitoring, and genetic analysis. Understanding the genetic makeup of the remaining foxes can help conservationists manage breeding programs and ensure genetic diversity.

Community involvement is pivotal. Increased awareness and education are critical to fostering support.

Here are actionable steps anyone can take:

• Support conservation organizations: Donate to or volunteer wiht groups dedicated to wildlife preservation.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about the Sierra Nevada red fox and its habitat. Share this knowledge.
• Advocate for change: Contact elected officials to voice support for wildlife conservation policies and funding.
• Practice responsible recreation: When visiting areas where these foxes live, adhere to guidelines that minimize disturbance of wildlife. This includes staying on marked trails and properly storing food.
• Report sightings: If you spot a Sierra Nevada red fox, report your sighting to the local wildlife agency.

Researchers actively study the foxes’ movement and behavior, aiding conservationists. “We use GPS collaring technology to monitor their locations,” confirms a USFWS biologist. This data helps manage and protect their territories.

One of the more significant challenges is managing the threats these foxes face. Competition and hybridization with non-native foxes pose a serious risk, sometimes resulting in loss of genetic purity. Preventing conflicts between coyotes and red foxes and controlling the spread of introduced fox species are crucial strategies.

Hope for the Future

Despite the many challenges, there is hope for the survival of the Sierra Nevada red fox. The rediscovery of video footage, and the subsequent public interest, underscores this potential. Continued dedication from scientists, conservationists, and the public will be the key to making a difference.

If current conservation strategies are properly implemented,it might potentially be possible to increase the foxes’ numbers. Careful habitat management and community outreach play a vital role in the continuing survival of the Sierra Nevada red fox.

Did you Know? The Sierra Nevada red fox plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.

Myths vs. Facts

Understanding the realities about the Sierra Nevada red fox is essential for effective conservation.

Myth	Fact
Sierra Nevada red foxes are a nuisance.	These foxes are an integral species in their ecosystem, important for controlling rodent populations.
Conservation efforts are pointless.	The presence of the video footage and the public response support an increased need for helping bring attention to the species.
The foxes are only threatened by natural events.	Human activities and introduced species have a major impact on the population of the red fox.

Additional Perspectives

Wildlife photographer Randy Robbins’ work shows the value of citizen scientists.His dedication to documenting the Sierra Nevada red fox has not only highlighted their existence but also provides valuable baseline data.

in an interview, Robbins stated, “By raising awareness through my work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and help protect this amazing animal.” His efforts serve as a beacon of hope. Others can use his methods to capture wildlife footage.