Impact of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill on the red fox ( Vulpes fulva) in Katmai National Park and Aniakchak National Preserve, Alaska
Payer DC. 1989. Impact of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill on the red fox ( Vulpes fulva) in Katmai National Park and Aniakchak National Preserve, Alaska
A study of the coastal red fox (Vulpes fulva) population in Katmai National Park and Aniakchak National Preserve was carried out in the spring and summer of 1989. Observations of prevalence, behavior, food resources utilized, and denning sites were made to evaluate the potential effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on this population. Samples of scat and food resources were collected for analysis of hydrocarbon content. The red fox was found to be common in the study area. Five denning sites were located. All foxes observed avoided contact with oil and refused to scavenge oiled carcasses. The finding of oily fox tracks indicated that some animals had contacted oil, however. Clams and mussels formed a significant part of the diet. Molluscids from oiled areas potentially contain hydrocarbon residues. Results of toxicological analyses are pending.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Payer, D
- Date of Issue
- 1989
- Units
- KATM
- Keywords
- Clams, Exxon Valdez, Foxes, mollusk, Oil