(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is using a mix of conventional and modern methods as it tries to figure out why the population of the gray fox has rapidly declined in the state. Wildlife biologist Vince Evelsizer says they started the study by putting tracking devices on a couple of the animals.

They are also reviewing photos from stationary trail cameras set out in areas where the animals live.

Evelsizer says new A-I technology is helping them look for clues in those thousands of photos.

He says D-N-R experts finish off the work after the A-I review.

Evelsizer says they hope the information gained from tracking the gray fox and the photos will help them learn why their populations have dramatically dropped.