In Northern California, a photographer had an extraordinary find when his remote camera captured rare footage of a Sierra Nevada red fox in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Wildlife photographer Randy Robbins recently shared video clips on social media showcasing the elusive fox, known for being geographically isolated and highly threatened. The footage features two foxes with grey and white fur, one of them sporting a tracking collar as it roamed the rocks during the day and ventured out at night, likely in search of rodents.
The Sierra Nevada red fox is considered one of the rarest mammals globally, with only a small population estimated between 18 to 39 individuals in the wild, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These critically endangered creatures, characterized by their thick fur coats, are typically found in higher elevations and face the risk of extinction.
Robbins set up his camera at an elevation of 8,500 feet in the snow-covered Lassen Volcanic National Park, capturing the foxes in late 2024. Retrieving the footage involved a challenging 5-mile hike due to the heavy snowfall, with the park road still closed at the time. Despite the difficult access, Robbins was thrilled to document these rare moments.
A part-time worship pastor and passionate wildlife photographer, Robbins has been dedicated to capturing images of elusive animals since 2018. His interest was sparked by photographing wild gray wolves during their reintroduction in California, leading him to use camera traps and trail cameras to observe wildlife behavior and advocate for conservation efforts.
While Robbins was thrilled to record the foxes, he expressed mixed emotions, noting his desire for high-resolution portraits. Nonetheless, he remains committed to using his photography to raise awareness and support the conservation and recovery of endangered species.
“Viewing this video footage was incredibly gratifying in terms of capturing footage of the animal, and I could not have asked for better footage than this, but my quest is not yet complete,” Robbins expressed, noting, “I still desire to capture my photo.”
Facts about the Sierra Nevada red fox
The Sierra Nevada red fox, smaller in size compared to most other fox species, features fuzzy paws and is draped in a dense fur coat aiding its survival in the harsh alpine conditions and heavy winter snow where it resides. Despite its name, the Sierra Nevada red foxes can exhibit primarily red, mostly black, or a grayish brown cross-phase, according to the USFWS.
Sightings of these animals have been documented in Alpine, Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono, and Tuolumne counties, as reported by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The species is primarily endangered by “wildfire and drought, competition with coyotes, decreases in prey numbers, and widespread hybridization with non-native foxes,” states the agency.
Robbins aims to draw more attention to the species and their conservation efforts. “The response from people has been truly heartening,” he remarked. “There is a collective desire to witness these foxes thrive and recover from the brink of extinction. It has been a privilege to offer this glimpse of one in the stunning environment of Lassen Volcanic National Park.”
“It has demonstrated to me that there is genuine interest and concern among people who are eager to contribute to the protection of our natural world,” he added.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@gannett.com and connect with her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Originally published on USA TODAY: Sierra Nevada red fox captured on camera in California national park
