marie-jamieson photo jeffrey mcgraw photo
SAN JUAN ISLAND FOXES A PHOTO ESSAY IN ADDITION TO IDYLLIC BEACHES and pastoral farmland , San Juan Island is home to some furry friends — the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ). These playful creatures roam widely and are most often spotted on the southern end of the island in San Juan Island National Historic Park ’ s American Camp , South Beach , and Cattle Point . While called a ‘ red ’ fox , they can also be orange , silver , black , and multi-colored . The smallest of the Canidae family , they weigh in between 10 and 20 pounds . Their presence was first document in 1929 . However , it ’ s believed they were brought between 1875 and 1895 as a traditional food source for lighthouse keepers . Today , they play a pivotal roll in controlling the island ’ s rabbit population . jennifer reeson-ho photo
20 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air