Federal wildlife biologists have confirmed that two more Sierra Nevada red foxes, once thought to be extinct, have been photographed near Sonora Pass.
The first confirmed sighting in 20 years was last August in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Two more have been photographed since, a male and a female. All were sighted within four miles of each other, in an area close to where Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park meet together.
Scientists report to the Associated Press that DNA samples found show enough diversity in the animals to suggest that there is a “fairly strong population” of the foxes secretly doing well in the rugged mountains across the Sierra Nevada.
This post was last modified on 12/06/2010 1:31 pm
Federal wildlife biologists have confirmed that two more Sierra Nevada red foxes, once thought to be extinct, have been photographed near Sonora Pass.
The first confirmed sighting in 20 years was last August in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Two more have been photographed since, a male and a female. All were sighted within four miles of each other, in an area close to where Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park meet together.
Scientists report to the Associated Press that DNA samples found show enough diversity in the animals to suggest that there is a “fairly strong population” of the foxes secretly doing well in the rugged mountains across the Sierra Nevada.
Written by BJ Hansen.
Sign up for our Breaking News Alerts and the myMotherLode.com Daily Newsletters by clicking here. Report breaking news, traffic or weather to our News Hotline (209) 532-6397. Send Mother Lode News Story photos to news@clarkebroadcasting.com.