Channel Island Fox

Description:

The Channel Island Fox only lives on six of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of southern California--they are found nowhere else on Earth. Each island population is recognized as a separate endemic or unique subspecies. The island fox, a descendant of the mainland gray fox, is the largest of the Channel Islands' native mammals, but one of the smallest canid species in the world. They are about the size of an adult cat. It is the only native Canid of California.

Habitat:

These pictures represent 3 different individuals. They were all scavenging the camp grounds of Scorpion Cove, Santa Cruz Island of the Channel Islands.

Notes:

They are wary but not very afraid of humans, since they are never mistreated. Campers are asked to use the large metal "Fox Boxes" in the campgrounds for all food items and not to leave crumbs or scraps of food on the tables or ground. They are present and active all day and all night. At night there are spectacular fights that sound like a mixture of small dogs and cats. They will enter any box or open tent if not tightly closed. They are constantly searching for food and insects and like to hide in the low thick bushes scattered about the camping areas.