California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sierra Nevada Red Fox Survey

Historic Sierra Nevada red fox range
map showing Sierra Nevada red fox range throu much of the Cascade Range and norther Sierra Nevada Range in California

We need YOUR help with research on the distribution of the rare and threatened Sierra Nevada Red Fox!

If you observe a red fox in the Sierra Nevada or southern Cascade mountain ranges, please report your observation by clicking on the REPORT A SIGHTING link below.

Important information to note includes the location, date, and time of the observation. Digital photos documenting your sighting are extremely helpful!

Thanks for your help!
 

Report a Sighting

 

Red Fox, Gray Fox, or Coyote?

Red Fox

photo of Sierra Nevada red fox with arrows pointing at ears and tail tip
  • Tail tip: WHITE
  • Tail length: LONG (nearly body length)
  • Back of ear: BLACK
  • Body color varies
photo of running Sierra Nevada red fox with arrows pointing at ears and tail tip
 

Gray Fox

photo of gray fox with arrows pointing at ears and tail tip
  • Tail tip: BLACK
  • Tail length: LONG (nearly body length)
  • Back of ear: ORANGE
  • Back and tail generally silvery gray
 

Coyote

photo of coyote
  • Tail tip: BLACK
  • Tail length: SHORT (much shorter than body length)
  • Back of ear: ORANGE