The Red Fox, Vulpes Vulpes, was introduced to San Juan Island in the mid 20th century to control the invasive rabbit population. All San Juan Island foxes are part of the Red Fox species, regardless of color – they come in black, grey, brown and, of course, red. In addition to making a dent in the rabbit population, they also dine on rodents and snakes. Red Foxes are easily found year-round on the prairies above South Beach in American Camp National Historical Park. The most rewarding time to observe them is late Spring, when they have pups and the prairie is alive with activity.

Please always stay at least 75 feet away and never feed foxes to keep them wild. Just sit in your car, by a trail or on the beach around dusk, be still and wait.

The above picture was taken on a Winter evening on South Beach, where upon returning to our car and opening a bag of chips the fox followed us for a while in vain hopes of a free snack.