Wildlife Spottings In Milford Remind Residents To Watch Pets

MILFORD, MA — Milfordians and their pets aren't the only ones coming outside to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine — wildlife are basking in the sun too. Residents in Milford said they've seen fisher cats and hawks in the last few weeks roaming around town. Milford Animal Control Officer Rochelle Thomson said she hasn't heard any direct complaints about fishers and hawks but she has received calls about coyotes and seen posts warning about fishers in the area on social media.

Fisher cats have been spotted in the areas of Nancy Road and near Main Street. Fisher cats are usually shy and elusive predators and during the summer months, hunt and are active during dusk and dawn, according to the Division of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Thomson said it's not unusual to see fishers in Milford and the animals have been most commonly spotted by Route 140.

If you've never seen a fisher cat, they look a bit like a cross between an otter and a tiny bear. Part of the weasel family, they have a long, slender body, short legs, and a furred tail. Adult males can weigh eight to 16 pounds and measure approximately three feet in length.

The concern for some residents is their pets. Fisher cats prey on small to medium sized animals and that includes domestic cats, rabbits, birds or even small dogs if they're hungry enough.

To keep pets safe and fishers out of your yard, Thomson said it's best to keep bird feeder areas clean so that you eliminate the food source. Fishers are omnivores, so if they can't get to your bird, they'll settle for the seeds left on the ground, creating a dangerous environment for your pet. Summer grilling can also attract the predators so make sure you clean up the grill area when you're done cooking.

"I even tell residents to clean up after their pets outside," Thomson said, noting that if the animals are hungry enough, they will eat feces.

They'll also pick through the garbage, so make sure it's secure. Keep pets inside, but if you can't, keep them in a secured location fishers can't get into (like a chicken coop or enclosed rabbit hut.)

Hawks are also predators who prey on small domesticated animals when they have the chance, so following the same tips should keep your pets safe through the summer. Thomson said she's heard complaints about hawks flying overhead. "It's typical at this time to see hawks flying around," she said, "The babies are just big enough to look like adults from up there and they're learning how to fly." She warned that she has seen in the past, hawks try to scoop up domesticated pets, and warns residents to keep pets on a leash at all times outside.

Thomson said part of the reason the predators are more prevalent now is the appearance of all the bunnies in town. "Everywhere you look there's a bunny, and that's their food source," she said. So far, Thomson has only gotten calls about wildlife sightings and no attacks on pets. Over all, keeping your yard and home clean and pets in a secured location is your best bet for a safe summer.

If you spot some interesting wildlife in your yard, and you and your pets are at a safe distance, snap some photos and send them to Patch. You might be featured in our next story. Email the photos to samantha.mercado@patch.com