Take Action to Help Improve Red Fox Conservation Efforts

Red foxes in the Sacramento Valley were long thought to be non-native; however, genetic testing in 2005 conducted by UC Davis revealed that these foxes were native to the region and potentially in decline. In 2007, a website was set up for the public to report sightings of Sacramento Valley red foxes. Now, Master’s Student Amy Brasch of Victoria University of Wellington is assessing: (1) how effective public input was on locating the foxes and (2) how the website can be improved for future conservation efforts.

You are invited to share your opinions regarding red foxes and the fox sighting website in a brief 5-minute survey located on the fox sighting website:

http://foxsurvey.ucdavis.edu/

The results of this survey will enhance the website as well as develop a better understanding of how effective public input is on locating Sacramento Valley red foxes.

Can you tell the difference between these local species?

Sacramento Valley Red Fox, notice the white tipped tail and black behind the ears.

Gray Fox, notice the black tip & line on tail, and orange behind the ears.

Coyote, notice the black tip on the tail (usually), orange behind the ears. But unlike the foxes they have much shorter tails.

Information and pictures courtesy of U.C. Davis http://foxsurvey.ucdavis.edu/id.html

Tagged Amy Brasch, conservation, coyote, foxes, gray foxes, red foxes, U.C. Davis