Population Crash

1999 – A canine distemper outbreak, introduced by a stowaway raccoon, devastates the Catalina Island fox population. With no natural immunity, numbers plummet by more than 90%. In response, conservationists begin an emergency captive breeding program to save the species.

Fox Monitoring Begins

2000 – The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS), in collaboration with the Catalina Island Conservancy, launches the Catalina Island Fox Recovery Plan. This expands the effort to include vaccinations, health checks, trapping and fox monitoring.

Listed as Endangered

2004 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the Catalina Island fox as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

2007 Island Fire

2007 – Following the Island Fire, Conservancy staff treat multiple Catalina Island foxes for burns to their paws, skin and ears.

Endangered to Threatened

2016 – The Catalina Island fox is officially removed from the Endangered Species list, marking the fastest recovery of any mammal in list history thanks to conservation science and community support.

Her Story Begins

2025 (Spring) – Los Angeles–based illustrator and designer Alexander Vidal creates the Catalina Island Fox mascot. Her personality is that of a dignified yet approachable guide, curious, resilient and grounded in knowledge, reflecting the spirit of Catalina Island.

Campaign Launch

2025 (Summer) – The Catalina Island Fox mascot is unveiled at a community event, Family Discovery Night, at the Catalina Museum for Art & History.

The Conservancy launches the “Be Fire Free For Fox Sake” campaign, drawing inspiration from the 2007 Island Fire when multiple injured foxes were treated for burns to their paws, skin and ears.

She Gets a Name

2025 (Ongoing) – Local students and children will suggest names for the mascot, with the final selection set for fall.