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Nov. 12, 2023Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR asking for help with gray fox research

iowa dnr

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking the assistance of trappers in a research project aimed at studying Iowa's gray fox population.

DNR's furbearer biologist, Vince Evelsizer, is urging trappers who catch a gray fox alive to contact him at 641-231-1522, or wildlife technician Dave Hoffman at 641-425-0737.

The goal is to equip the animals with neck collars for tracking as part of the research project.

The gray fox population in Iowa has been on the decline for the past 25 years, and the study aims to gather data on causes of mortality, habitat use, and home ranges to better understand the factors affecting the population.

Trappers are offered a $400 reward for live-caught, healthy foxes used in the study. Gray foxes, smaller than red foxes, can be found statewide but are concentrated in eastern and southern Iowa in forested habitats.

Contact information for the DNR is provided for those willing to contribute to the research.