Fisher Cats

Fisher cats are common in Massachusetts; they’re rarely seen by people because of their secretive and generally solitary habits. Fishers are the largest member of the weasel family. Adult males weigh between 8 and 16 pounds and adult females weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. Fishers can range from 2-3 feet long from head to tail. Fishers have sharp retractable claws for climbing; their tales make up 1/3 of their body length. Fishers breed from February to March and kits are born 1-2 months after implantation. Fisher kits leave the female late summer or early fall and begin their solitary adult lives. Fishers are shy and elusive; they are rarely seen even in areas where there are high fisher populations. Fishers can be active during the day or night but tend to be crepuscular (dawn & dusk). Nocturnal activity in the summer and diurnal (daytime) activity in the winter is normal. Fishers are omnivorous their primary foods include small rodents, birds, eggs, fruit, porcupines, and carrion. They will also opportunistically prey on poultry and domestic cats. Although they are proficient climbers most of their hunting takes place on the ground.