Fisher Cat Mating Season Is Here - What You Need To Know
Fisher cats are some of the most misunderstood creatures that call the wilds of Massachusetts home.
Fisher cats are some of the most misunderstood creatures that call the wilds of Massachusetts home. Though they generally live solitary lives and are very rare to see, their mating season occurs during March and April, and the increase in general activity during this time creates more chances to come across this elusive animal.
A lot of what people "know" about them, at least in my experience, is actually false information. The first truth that most people do not know about fisher cats is that they are not actually members of the cat family at all. This is similar to how Koala Bears are not members of the bear family, but in this case, it goes even further. This is because the term "fisher cat", despite commonly being used, is not the actual name of this species. These small Massachusetts mammals are simply called fishers. To make things even more confusing, it should also be noted that these animals do not even actually eat fish!
So What Actually Is A Fisher?
A fisher is actually a member of the weasel family and one of the largest ones at that. Despite their larger size, these animals are rarely ever seen in the wild. This is because fishers are incredibly shy and elusive and typically like to keep well away from humans. They also live mostly solitary lives, except for mating season in late winter, which leads to brief interaction.
Despite being called "fishers," they do not eat fish. Fishers are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their primary diet consists of small rodents, squirrels, rabbits, birds, eggs, fruit, and, surprisingly, porcupines. Though not common, they have also been known to go after cats, chickens, and even small dogs. For this reason, it is important to know how to protect your pets and property.
Tips For Living With Fishers
One of the biggest myths surrounding fishers is that they are incredibly vicious and dangerous. This is simply not the case, especially when it comes to their interactions with humans.
However, like coyotes and foxes, fishers can pose a threat to pets and domestic farm animals. For this reason, Mass.gov has provided a list of tips for dealing with fishers:
KEEP BIRD FEEDER AREAS CLEAN: Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals, like squirrels, that fishers prey upon. Remove feeders if fishers are regularly seen around your yard.
SECURE YOUR GARBAGE: Exposed garbage, compost, and pet food can attract small mammals, which in turn attract fishers.
DON’T LET FISHERS INTIMIDATE YOU: Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten fishers with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose.
PROTECT PETS AND POULTRY: Fishers are predators that prey on medium-sized mammals and poultry. Fishers view domestic cats and rabbits as food and will prey on them when hunting. They will also raid chicken coops and can kill numerous chickens at a time. For their safety, cats should be kept indoors at all times. Pet rabbits and poultry should be kept in tightly secured buildings or hutches that prevent access by fishers.