Hike Mt Hood and search for evidence of rare montane foxes

Calling all hikers, trekkers, amblers, and explorers!

Planning on hiking Mt Hood this summer? We are looking for volunteers to help with a community science wildlife survey, collecting genetic information on Sierra Nevada red fox!

• Go hiking!
• Learn about elusive wildlife in an area from what they leave behind - scat!
• Help collect important genetic information on a native, rare carnivore in the Mt Hood National Forest.

Scat surveys are self-directed - where and when you hike is up to you. Cascadia Wild will provide training on how to identify and safely collect fox scat, collection materials, and a list of recommended hiking trails. Your job is to go hiking and watch your step! We will also organize one or two group survey trips for those who wish to come.

The Sierra Nevada red fox is one of the most rare animals in North America, and they can only be found in the high elevation mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Oregon's Cascades. Despite calling this land home since the last Ice Age, very little is known about them. Genetic information from scat samples is an important way of helping us bridge this gap with information about their distribution, ancestry, population size, and habitat connectivity. This information is then used to determine the protection status and management of the Sierra Nevada red fox.

Online Training: June 5, 6:30-8:00pm.

This required training will introduce you to the history and biology of the Sierra Nevada red fox, how to identify and safely collect scat, how to plan a survey, where to hike, and what to do on a survey.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Able to carry out at least 2 surveys during the summer.
• Transportation to and from trailheads
• Able to hike on trails in varying conditions
• Able to drop samples off at our office in NE Portland
• GPS or mobile device to record sample locations

For more information and to register: www.cascadiawild.org/fox-survey.html

*Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.