Animal of the Day: Rare Sierra Nevada Red Fox Found in Yosemite National Park

For the first time in nearly 100 years, a Sierra Nevada red fox was spotted in Yosemite National Park.

The fox is one of the most endangered animals in North America with an estimated 50 left in existence.

The above image of the rare creature was captured by a motion-sensitive camera in the northern part of the park, and it was seen on two separate occasions.

“Confirmation of the Sierra Nevada red fox in Yosemite National Park’s vast alpine wilderness provides an opportunity to join research partners in helping to protect this imperiled animal,” stated Sarah Stock, Wildlife Biologist in Yosemite National Park. “We’re excited to work across our boundary to join efforts with other researchers that will ultimately give these foxes the best chances for recovery.”

The park service is now attempting to collect hair samples from it, to see if it is related to another group of foxes last spotted in an area called Sonora Pass.