Catalina Island Foxes Face New Problems After Bouncing Back From Near-Extinction

CATALINA ISLAND (CBSLA.com) — The Catalina Island fox, close to extinction 16 years ago, is running into new challenges.

Researchers say the animals keep getting trapped inside trash bins and uncovered water containers.

Many of them also are getting hit by cars.

In 1999, canine distemper virus decimated the population to only about 100 foxes.

Conservationists began a recovery program that included captive breeding and vaccination.

By last year, an estimated 1,700 foxes were on the island.