Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: South Dakota
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Since establishing that restored swift fox (Vulpes velox) populations in western South Dakota were in jeopardy of extinction due to high potential mortality, an additional factor that could further affect population viability of swift foxes has colonized rangeland within the distribution of the species. Plague (Yersinia pestis) is now evident within black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns throughout western South Dakota. Since the highly successful reintroduction in this area, there has been an apparent decline in the local swift fox population that seems directly related to plague, recent weather patterns, and possibly increased coyote numbers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the current status of swift fox as it relates to the Badlands National Park area and the historic population in Fall River County in southwestern South Dakota.