Sometimes when a species is driven to the brink of extinction, it's because of over-hunting. Or habitat destruction. More and more, it's going to be due to climate change. But in 1999, a rare species of dwarf fox was driven to the very edge because golden eagles were eating too many baby pigs. If you don't see the connection... don't feel bad. I've intentionally made it sound mysterious  ;-)

In this episode of The Cliff's Edge, hear the tale of the island fox, a unique species of fox only found on California's Channel Islands. Learn about its surprising, and surprisingly brief, history, and the chain reaction of ecological events that nearly wiped it out without anybody ever laying a finger on one. And there's a happy ending, too... the island fox is doing pretty well these days, thanks entirely to the wildlife biologists who figured out what was really going on, as well as a lot of hard work, cooperation, and luck.

The island fox is a pretty cool animal, and its story is simply fascinating. Come check it out!