The Fantastic Fisher
By Morgan Jerry
Before heading out to the zoo, learn a little bit about the fascinating Fisher!
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Martes
Species: pennanti
Common Name: Fisher
Appearance
Feeding pattern & Diet
In the wild, Fisher cats are generally carnivorous, feeding off of smaller, weaker mammals such as rodents, various birds, hares and rabbits, and shrews. If the fisher cat cannot find prey, they will resort to consuming things like berries, nuts, and insects. Unlike most species, the fisher can actually attack and hunt Porcupines. They know to strike in the face where there are no sharp quills to weaken the creature. This is just one of the many things that show how vicious and sneaky the animal can be. Only at the new Raymond Zoo will you be able to get this close to a fisher and not have to worry!
diagram of the internal anatomy of a River Otter, a close relative of the FIsher
Habitat
If you are interested in seeing a local wild animal in a safe environment, the Raymond Zoo's Fisher exhibit is perfect. Fishers thrive in wooded areas, like the coniferous and deciduous forest biomes. They live solely in North America, with the vast majority being near or around the Canadian border, as shown in the image below. While there is a fair number of fishers in California near the Sierra Nevada in California, most have been seen in New England and Canada. Some specific states to have seen a fisher cat include Minnesota, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Maine, West Virginia, New York, Idaho, Montana, and Vermont. Parts of Canada to report the presence of fishers include Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Ontario.
Related Mammals
Troublesome Threats
With deforestation becoming more and more of an issue, fishers are put in danger. They typically seek shelter in wooded areas. Major causes of trees being cut down are to make room to build roads, to use for construction and as firewood, and the ever growing logging industry. Trapping also poses a threat to these creatures, which is why many states have set up laws against the harm and hunting of the animal.
Young fishers are vulnerable to predators, such as owls and coyotes. Mange, fleas, and tapeworms are also not rare occurrences in fishers, but their generally solo lifestyle and not reusing their dens helps to cut down the number of cases.
Superb Senses
Resources
- N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. <http://www.nationaltrappers.com/fisher.htm>.
- Vermont Fish and Wildlife, n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. <http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73163&pageId=149329>.
- "Fisher - Martes Pennanti." Fisher. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. <http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/fisher.htm>.
- " Fisher (Martes Pennanti)." Fisher. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. <http://www.wildlifenorthamerica.com/Mammal/Fisher/Martes/pennanti.html>.
- "Basic Facts About Fishers." Defenders of Wildlife. N.p., 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 13 Jan. 2016. <http://www.defenders.org/fisher/basic-facts-about-fishers>.