This project adheres to the ethical and research standards outlined by the relevant professional associations and governing bodies acknowledged here:

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• https://www.apa.org/science/leadership/care/guidelines

• https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/guidelines-psychologists-working-animals

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347222002469

• https://www.ukri.org/news/ukri-wide-policy-on-research-and-innovation-involving-animals/

• https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/rs/researchethics/​

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and by the policies and practices implemented locally on San Juan Island.

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In practice, this means that:

1. As researchers on this project we follow the ‘Ethical Wildlife Viewing’ guidelines set out by the US National Park Service for the Island (https://www.nps.gov/sajh/planyourvisit/ethical-wildlife-viewing.htm). This means we abide by the ethos “The best relationship is a long-distance relationship” and always do our best to maintain distance between ourselves and the foxes we encounter and their denning and foraging sites.

2. As researchers on this project we do our best to minimize our impact on the behaviour and welfare of the foxes we encounter. This means we keep noise and movement to a minimum and if we find that foxes are disturbed by our presence, such as if they run for cover, call loudly (i.e. warning bark) or stop their activity and direct their gaze toward us in an alert posture (ears erect) that lasts more than 10 seconds, then we remove ourselves from the area as soon as we can do so safely.

3. As researchers on this project we collect and log our observations when it is safe to do so. This means that we do not attempt to make or log observations while driving or riding (bicycle, motorcycle, etc.), but rather wait until we can pull in safely. We also do not enter terrain that is beyond our ability to manoeuvre in safely or that encroaches on private or public land that we do not have prior permission to enter.

4. As researchers on this project we collect data with integrity and rigour. This means that we remain objective and focus on quality for each type of observation that we make:

   • Photos: we photograph any fox(es) that we encounter as long as we (1) can do so safely and without approaching the fox(es) and (2) are not invading anyone’s privacy by doing so. We aim to capture an image that includes the entire animal to help with morphometric measurements that can be used to identify individuals or at least the head(s) and / or tail(s), which is where key individual measures are taken.

   • Locations: we log GPS coordinates when accuracy is at least 20 meters / 66 feet or if GPS is not available, then using the location on a map with a scale of at least 1:25,000.

   • Observations: we use objective behavioural descriptions that have been developed in the scientific literature to ensure that across observers, behavior is quantified in the same way.

   • As researchers on this project we make an effort to speak to others about our work to maintain community engagement and involvement in the project’s aims, approaches and outcomes.

   • As researchers on this project we ensure that we remain up-to-date with these guidelines. If you are joining the project as a citizen scientist take the quiz here.