FINDING THE FOXES In 2009 Game and Fish explored techniques to detect swift foxes and track their distribution. Although a combination of fish oil and skunk essence sounds revolting to humans, it proved enticing to swift foxes on the prowl. Biologists found the smelly concoction coupled with remote cameras worked best to document swift foxes. In 2010 Game and Fish implemented its first range-wide survey in Wyoming. That effort was overwhelmingly successful, and biologists repeated the survey at a subset of sites in 2013. However, in the early 2010s Game and Fish Swift fox expansion received credible reports of swift foxes well outside their historic range in Wyoming. These included reports of denning swift foxes in Worland and road-killed individuals near Farson. As a result biologists increased their survey effort statewide in 2017 and set up remote cameras at 131 sites spanning all grassland and sagebrush areas of the state. The motion-activated cameras photographed swift foxes at 40 locations. Surprisingly, 21 of those sites were outside the historic range of swift foxes in Wyoming. One location that highlights this expansion is a black-footed ferret reintroduction site in northwestern Wyoming. Meeteetse is well known for its long and important history with ferrets. However, Swift foxes have been observed beyond their historic range. It is unknown why swift foxes are expanding their distribution in Wyoming, but ongoing research may help answer that question. (Map information provided by Nyssa Whitford/WGFD) Swift foxes are primarily nocturnal, but they can occasionally be seen sunning themselves outside their dens during the day - especially at dawn and dusk. (WGFD photo) LET US KNOW If you spot a swift fox, Game and Fish wants to hear about it. Biologists are particularly interested in any sightings of swift foxes in the western half of the state or observations of swift foxes with pups anywhere in the state. Let Game and Fish know about your swift fox sighting by emailing wgf-rareanimal@wyo.gov. Include the date and location where you saw the fox and any photos you were able to take. Wyoming Wildlife | 41