The Island Fox, living only on six Channel Islands off the coast of southern California, is tiny, the size of a cat. These foxes are about 12 inches in height and weigh only four to five pounds. The fox is a descendent of the mainland gray fox. No one knows how the foxes arrived on the islands, but people did live on the islands (Chumash were the native people) and they most likely transported them. The foxes have been living on the islands for perhaps 6,000 years based on fossil research. Through the years their populations have both thrived and diminished (golden eagles killed a large majority of the population until the eagles were moved to someplace else), they almost become extinct due to the golden eagles. In 2004 they were listed as federally endangered. Since then, a fox recovery program has re-established the foxes on all of the islands. Unlike the larger Gray Fox that only hunts at night these smaller foxes that have no predators hunt during the day, and often search around the campgrounds for food left behind so seeing them to photograph is relatively easy. These foxes mate for life and seem to be very affectionate with one another.
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AuthorI've been photographing with serious intent for about 14 years. Twelve years ago I started learning about wildlife photography and I've been hooked on it since then. I still photograph many different subjects, but not usually people unless it's street photography. Archives
April 2024
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