More rare red foxes found in Sierra

Researchers have found more rare Sierra Nevada red foxes near Sonora Pass, confirming that one of America's rarest mammals hangs on as a surviving population where it was long feared extinct.

The latest discoveries came in September and October with new images from remotely triggered cameras, confirmed later by genetic analysis of feces gathered in the area. They build on the August discovery of a single fox in the same area.

"Before, there was the possibility we may have had the sole survivor," said Adam Rich, a wildlife biologist with the Stanislaus National Forest. "But now we know there's a small population out there. That gives us hope that even though they're rare, we still might have them around for a while."

The Sierra Nevada red fox is considered one of the most threatened mammals in North America.

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