In March 2004, four subspecies of the Island Fox were classified as a federally protected endangered species: the Santa Cruz Island Fox, Santa Rosa Island Fox, San Miguel Island Fox and the Santa Catalina Island Fox. Two species are a species of concern: the San Clemente Island Fox, and the San Nicolas Island Fox.
The Channel Island fox is listed as critically endangered, meaning the calculated probability of its extinction during the next 10 years is greater than 50%.
The Channel Island fox is listed as threatened by the State of California. It is protected by California state law.