Fisher Cats in Wilmington, What You Need to Know

Photo Credit: Wildlife of Wilmington, MA Facebook Page

Fisher Cats have been spotted in Wilmington lately but it’s not a new occurrance. According to Wilmington’s Animal Control Officer Ellen Sawyer, the animals made a big come back to the area in the last 15 years.

Residents on social media have reported seeing cats on Cunningham Street near Salem Street, as well as in the Aldrich Road area and around Silver Lake and Town Hall.

Wildlife of Wilmington, MA captured images of a Fisher Cat in the woods near Boutwell back in February.

According to Sawyer, Fisher Cats don’t have many predators and they tend to live in forested areas. She goes on to say most people don’t realize they can climb trees.

“They only attack people when they feel threatened. Treat them the same way you treat all wild life and stay away,” she says.

Fisher cats can pose a threat to various animals, but residents can take steps to avoid problems, according to the state’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife website. Domestic cats, rabbits and chickens should be kept indoors at all times since the fisher preys on them, according to the site. Residents can also remove food sources that would attract fisher cats, including bird feeders. Compost piles and garbage cans should also be tightly secured.

The Fisher Cat is a shy, elusive animal, according to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. They can be active in both day or night, but tend to be seen more at dawn and dusk with nocturnal activity in the summer months and daytime activity during winter. They don’t hibernate so they are active year round.