Extremely Rare Red Fox Spotted in National Park in California

A Sierra Nevada red fox was recently seen in Yosemite National Park in California, thrilling biologists as the last one was seen over a hundred years ago.

MOSCOW, January 29 (Sputnik) — A Sierra Nevada red fox, one of North America’s rarest mammals, was spotted in Yosemite National Park in California for the first time in nearly 100 years, reports ABC News.

The fox was spotted using motion-sensitive cameras on two separate occasions, Dec. 13, 2014, and Jan. 4, 2015.

“We are thrilled to hear about the sighting of the Sierra Nevada red fox, one of the most rare and elusive animals in the Sierra Nevada,” said Don Neubacher, Yosemite National Park Superintendent, in a statement. “National parks like Yosemite provide habitat for all wildlife and it is encouraging to see that the red fox was sighted in the park.”

According to biologist Sarah Stock, the confirmation of the Sierra Nevada red fox in Yosemite National Park’s vast alpine wilderness provides an opportunity to research and help to protect this endangered animal. “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.”

Until recently, the Sierra Nevada red fox was presumed to be nearly extinct from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with just one small group left in the Lassen Peak area in Northern California, reports the Huffington Post.