Hike Mt Hood and search for evidence of rare montane foxes

Interested in hiking on Mt Hood this summer?

We are looking for volunteers to help with a community science wildlife project collecting scat from Sierra Nevada red fox, a rare subspecies of red fox only found in the high mountains of Oregon and California. Scat samples provide important genetic information to help researchers learn more about the distribution, population size, and habitat connectivity of these rare foxes, information which will be used to better protect and manage their populations.

As a volunteer, your job is hike a trail of your choice and watch your step! Foxes, like all canines, use scat to communicate and frequently leave it along travel corridors like trails. As you hike, keep an eye out for scat and collect any that look likely to be fox. After your hike, complete a trip report, tell us where you went, and turn in any samples you collected.

Cascadia Wild will provide training on how to identify and safely collect fox scat, collection materials, and a list of recommended hiking trails. We will also organize two group survey trips for those who wish to come.

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

This training will introduce you to:

• History and biology of the Sierra Nevada red fox
• ​How to identify and safely collect scat.
• How to plan a survey and where to hike
• What to do on a survey and how to document what you find

Requirements:

• Able to commit to carrying out at least two surveys during the summer.
• Able to follow sample collection instructions and survey protocols thoroughly and accurately
• Able to provide transportation to and from trailheads and hike on trails in varying conditions
• Able to read a map and record the route you travel​
• Able to drop samples off at our office in NE Portland
• Have a phone or camera to take photos of scat samples prior to collection
• Have a phone app or GPS to record location hiked, distance traveled, and the location of any samples - or the ability to relay this information on a map
• Able to provide personal hiking and safety gear, and either provide or pick up from Cascadia Wild other required survey supplies.

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

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

These surveys are part of Cascadia Wild's Wolverine Tracking Project.