Distribution and Status of the Red Fox in Idaho

Skeletal remains taken in excavations show that the red fox has been present in western North America for at least 14,000 years. Its historical occurrence in Idaho was apparently first recorded in 1891. Information furnished by trappers, predator control agents, conservation officers, biologists, and other cooperators from 1945 through 1965 indicates that, beginning about 1960, this species has markedly increased its density in some parts of the state and invaded habitats which it had not previously occupied. The red fox's status as a furbearer has, however, remained insignificant in Idaho. While a taxonomic analysis is not undertaken, Idahoan specimens are tentatively assigned to Vulpes vulpes macroura Baird.