Just as Smokey Bear advised that, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” the Conservancy’s new fox mascot and island ambassador serves as a reminder to each of us that fire prevention is a shared responsibility. The Conservancy’s fire awareness slogan, Be Fire Free for Fox Sake, is brought to life by the endemic Catalina Island fox. And now, she has a name. 

Last summer, the Conservancy hosted a Family Discovery Night. This free community event introduced children to conservation through hands-on activities. The night concluded with a screening of the Conservancy’s mini-documentary, Back from the Brink: Resurgence of the Catalina Island Fox. Children were also invited to submit their ideas for the Island ambassador’s name. There were 74 submissions and in March, the Conservancy selected the name submitted by 3-year-old Julian Murillo Hernandez: Isla.  

“It melted me, thank you so much,” said Julian’s mom, Teresa, as she watched him celebrate. “We see a fox every time we go up on a hike. Foxes are a big part of Catalina and the community, so I’m very proud and honored.” 

Isla (pronounced ees-la) is the Spanish word for Island and the Hernandez family, who are longtime residents of the Island, speak Spanish at home. 

“Now every time we see one, he says, ‘There’s an Isla! Look, there’s another Isla! So many Islas!’ He thinks all the foxes are Isla,” said Hernandez. 

Julian was congratulated at a special recognition where he received a plush fox, fox stickers and a designed tote bag with a shirt and other fun goodies.

Isla will soon be found on Conservancy signage that encourages fire safe behaviors. She will serve as the Island ambassador by connecting students and visitors to the uniqueness of Catalina Island. The fox mascot was launched under the Conservancy’s fire prevention campaign last summer. The campaign includes fire danger levels based on the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Burning Index for Catalina Island. Daily fire danger levels are posted online to help improve public awareness on Catalina Island Conservancy lands.  

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Fire season is every season. Preventing human-caused wildfires is a shared responsibility. Learn more about fire risks and do your part to protect this unique place at catalinaconservancy.org/firefree.