Animal House: The Return of the Fisher Cat

I was recently up in the western mountains of Massachusetts and was surprised at the number of Fisher Cats I saw.  Mainly my surprise was due to the fact that the Fisher is an extremely alert and secretive animal and is rarely seen. 

Generally the Fisher prefers a wooded environment but is now becoming more prevalent in the suburbs.  The Fisher Cat is found throughout New England with the exception of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. 

The Fisher is an opportunistic feeder and will eat what is available to them.  This, in part, is the reason that this animal is becoming more prevalent in the suburbs as we provide a great buffet for them.  Not only will they root through our trash, but the Fisher will eat domestic cats, small breed dogs, porcupines and rabbits. 

The return to Massachusetts of this animal is quite remarkable as it was completely eradicated from the state in the early 20th century due to deforestation and fur trapping.  As a result of the eradication, the porcupine population exploded during this time. 

Calling the Fisher Cat a cat is misleading in that it is a member of the weasel family, similar in family to the skunk, otter and mink. It is the largest member of this family at 12lbs and 3 feet long; it has retractable claws, like a domestic cat, and is an extremely good climber, though it does most of its hunting on the ground. 

The climbing ability comes in especially handy for the female Fisher Cat as litters of kits are found in maternal dens in tree cavities high in large trees. 

The kits are born virtually helpless as they are born furless, blind and generally immobile.  The kits will spend 8 to 10 weeks in the maternal den and then are moved to a ground-based den once they are more mobile. 

The mother will nurse the kits for 4 months.  At 5 months of age the kits are able to kill prey and are about the same size as a female, 8 pounds and 2.5 feet in length.  The tail makes up approximately 1/3 of the animals total length.   

As these animals become more common and integrate themselves closer to residential areas, it is important that we take the proper precautions for our pets and our families as well, by ensuring all garbage cans have lids on them and that the environment is safe before letting our domestic animals out.