The range of the threatened Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) encompasses high-elevation habitats of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range of California. Since the late 1800's non-native red foxes were introduced into California for fir farming and fox hunting. From the 1920's to the 1940?s, at least six fox farms occurred within the historical range of the Sierra Nevada red fox and more occurred near the margin of its range. Three fox farms also occurred in an area where observations of Sierra Nevada red foxes were reported most often. It was not uncommon for farm foxes to escape or to be released. We are uncertain whether non-native red foxes have interbred with Sierra Nevada red foxes. While data to test for interbreeding can be acquired, an investigation of genetic traits of foxes within the historical range might not be feasible.
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