Don’t Let Washington’s Cascade Red Fox Vanish Forever

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The Cascade red fox (Vulpes vulpes cascadensis) is on the brink of extinction in Washington’s Cascade Range. This unique subspecies, once thriving across subalpine meadows, parklands, and alpine habitats, now faces severe threats that have drastically reduced its population and range. With less than half of its historical habitat remaining, urgent action is needed to prevent the loss of this beautiful and ecologically vital species.¹

A Species in Peril

Climate change is rapidly altering the high-elevation environments that the Cascade red fox depends on. Rising temperatures and reduced snowpack are allowing forests to encroach upon open meadows, diminishing the foxes’ natural habitat and enabling competitors like coyotes to invade their territory.² This habitat loss not only reduces the space available for the foxes but also disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem they help maintain.

Human activities exacerbate these challenges. Logging, development, and increased winter recreation fragment the foxes’ habitat, making it difficult for them to find food and mates. Additionally, vehicle collisions in national parks like Mount Rainier have become a significant mortality factor, particularly as foxes become habituated to human presence.³ These combined pressures have led to a sharp decline in the Cascade red fox population, pushing them closer to extinction.

The Threat of Predators and Disease

The introduction and proliferation of non-native predators, especially coyotes, pose a critical threat to the Cascade red fox. Increased coyote populations result in higher predation rates and the spread of diseases such as mange, which can devastate fox populations.⁴ With the fox population already small and fragmented, these additional pressures make recovery even more difficult.

Conservation Efforts Underway

Efforts to protect the Cascade red fox have intensified in recent years. In September 2022, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission classified the fox as an endangered species in the state¹. This designation provides a legal framework to implement conservation measures aimed at stabilizing and increasing the fox population.

Moreover, the Center for Biological Diversity has filed a petition urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Cascade red fox under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)⁵. Federal protection would ensure comprehensive measures are taken to preserve the habitat, reduce threats, and promote the recovery of this endangered subspecies.

Immediate Actions Needed

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Department has taken steps to protect the Cascade red fox by implementing emergency rule changes that prohibit trapping in national forests across the Cascades⁵. While these measures are temporary, they are crucial in preventing further decline while permanent protections are considered.

The survival of the Cascade red fox depends on immediate and sustained conservation efforts. Protecting this species is not only about saving a single animal but also about preserving the integrity of high-elevation ecosystems that benefit all life in the region. Healthy ecosystems provide clean air, water, and resources essential for human and wildlife communities alike.

We urge you to take action now. Sign the petition to support the designation of the Cascade red fox as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring that these remarkable foxes continue to thrive in their natural habitat.