If you’ve been curious with us for a while, you may have gained a lot of knowledge about felines. Perhaps you read about large felines. You might be well-informed about black felines or white felines. But have you ever come across a fisher cat?
The name “fisher cat” is somewhat misleading. It does not hunt for fish for its sustenance, at least as far as we know. And it is also not a feline! Instead, the fisher cat is a kind of large mustelid.
How big are they? Fisher cats, also referred to as fishers, measure around 32-40 inches (81-102 cm) in length. Their tails add another 12-16 inches (30-41 cm) to their bodies. Females weigh 4.5 to 5.5 pounds (2-2.5 kg). Males are much larger, weighing 8 to 12 pounds (3.5-5.5 kg).
Where are you most likely to encounter a fisher cat in the wild? They exclusively inhabit the forests of North America. You are most likely to find them in Canada, but they are also widespread in the northwestern United States and California. Sightings of fishers are also becoming more frequent in eastern states.
If you do happen to spot a fisher cat, it is likely to be a brief glimpse. Their short legs keep them close to the ground, and they are fast movers. They are easily mistaken for other mustelids or domestic cats. The dark fur of fishers makes them even more challenging to spot at night. These creatures are also skilled at concealing themselves among dense vegetation and tree hollows.
If fisher cats do not actually fish for their food, then what do they eat? It turns out that these small animals are fierce predators. In fact, they are one of the few creatures on Earth that prey on porcupines. That’s right! Those spiky little rodents may not sound appetizing to you, but they are a feast for fishers. Fisher cats are also known to feed on mice, hares, squirrels, and other small mammals.
There have also been rumors of fishers hunting small pets, including house cats. However, there does not seem to be any concrete evidence of this happening, and experts believe it is just a rumor. People who study fishers say that neither humans nor their pets have much to fear from these animals.
In fact, for most of history, fishers have had more reason to fear humans than the other way around. The fisher cat population in Washington state was once completely wiped out due to trapping and habitat loss. Today, they have been reintroduced, but measures are in place to protect them from excessive trapping. Fishers also have to be cautious of larger predators, such as bobcats, coyotes, and cougars.
The next time you find yourself walking through a dense forest in North America, keep an eye out for a fisher cat. Their furry, round ears and bushy tails give them an adorable appearance, but remember to keep your distance! Fishers are wild animals and should be left alone.
Try It Out
Find an adult who can assist you with the activities below:
- Take a look at these images of fisher cats. What would be your reaction if you came across a fisher in its natural habitat? Would you be interested in observing it from a safe distance? Share your thoughts with a friend or family member.
- Are fishers found in your area? What other types of wildlife do you observe in your region? Create your own wildlife journal. Afterwards, spend time outdoors with a friend or family member and keep an eye out for animals. Perhaps you could visit a local park, forest, or river. What animals do you spot? Can you identify them? Make a sketch and write a brief description for each animal you encounter.
- Take a few moments to explore information about other species of weasels. What physical characteristics do fisher cats share with the rest of the weasel family? Did anything surprise you? Write a paragraph summarizing what you have learned.
Sources of Wonder
- https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/fisher-cats.htm (accessed on March 26, 2020)
- http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMAJF01020 (accessed on March 26, 2020)
- https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/pekania-pennanti (accessed on March 26, 2020)
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