One Nation, Under God
One Nation, Under God
Members of the public are encouraged to report any swift fox sightings south of the Milk River in Blaine, Phillips, and Valley counties. Swift foxes can be recognized by their small size and their body-length tail with a black tip, and may have a black GPS collar as shown above. Photo credit: Johnny Stutzman.
Last known location of all swift fox collars that transmitted data between 2020-2023. While some long-distance movements have been documented through GPS collars, most foxes have last been located within 15 miles of Fort Belknap. Courtesy Photo.
Juvenile swift foxes located on the southwestern side of the Fort Belknap Reservation, MT in June 2021. Researchers with the Aaniiih Nakoda College, Smithsonian Institution, and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department are calling for sightings to document the reintroduced swift fox population's growth over time. Photo credit: Smithsonian Institution
Fort Belknap Indian Community is seeking the public's help with monitoring the success of the swift fox reintroduction. Since 2020, the Fort Belknap Indian Community has been reintroducing swift foxes. Swift foxes were absent from the area for over 50 years, and in addition to the cultural significance of returning a species to Nakoda and Aaniiih sovereign land, the reintroduction promotes connectivity between two portions of the swift fox range separated by over 200 miles.
Swift foxes can be identified by their small size, long black-tipped tails, and black patches on either side of their muzzle. Their average weight of five pounds makes them only one-fifth the size of a coyote, and smaller than a house cat. Accordingly, the swift fox diet is primarily small rodents and insects. They are usually found in open, relatively flat areas and they spend more time below ground in dens than other members of the canine family.
If members of the public identify a swift fox, the reintroduction team would like to know when and where the fox was observed, how many foxes were spotted, and whether it was wearing a black collar. Each fox that has been moved from Colorado or Wyoming (103 to date) is fitted with a GPS collar that shares locations with researchers studying swift fox movement and survival over the first 6-10 months after release at Fort Belknap.
Early results from collar data are promising: most swift foxes remain close to release areas and are settling in the area's prairie habitat, as approximately 70% of foxes' last known locations were within 15 miles of Fort Belknap. In order for the reintroduction to be considered a success, the population must grow and persist over time. Fortunately, at least 20 swift fox pups have been born at Fort Belknap, and researchers are optimistic that many more will be found in this third breeding season post-reintroduction.
Observations can be shared through an online survey (https://arcg.is/0uua1e) or by contacting the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department (406-353-4801). As with all newborn wildlife, folks are reminded to keep their distance from den sites to avoid disturbing new families.
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