Beware of This Elusive, Dangerous, Predator in Maine & New Hampshire

Even though the forests of New England are filled with all types of creatures, very few of them are threatening.

Like we always heard as kids, "They're more afraid of you than you are of them".

Of course, that does not mean you should get into a wrestling match with a bear or try to ride a moose.  Use caution and common sense when dealing with any kind of wildlife.

There is, however, one elusive predator that frequently concerns New Englanders living in more rural environments.

The Fisher Cat

The Fisher, also known as the Fisher Cat, is a carnivorous mammal that lives in the forests of northern North America.  Despite what they are commonly called, it is not a cat.  Fishers are members of the mustelid family, so they are similar to weasels and badgers.

The State of Maine website describes them as:

Fishers have long bodies with short legs, rounded ears, and a thick dark brown coat with a bushy tail. Fishers also have five toes with retractable claws making them excellent climbers and hunters. Generally, male fisher are about 20% longer than females and weight nearly twice as much.

The average adult male weighs 10 pounds, but larger ones can weigh up to 20 pounds.

Are Fisher Cats Dangerous to People?

Stories of fishers attacking humans are very rare.

While they rarely attack people, they are meat-eating predators.  Because of this, there are concerns about them attacking smaller animals.

Many people have had their chickens become a meal for a wandering fisher cat.

Stories of fishers attacking family pets are not uncommon.

Despite the fact that they are carnivores, there are stories of them supplementing their diet with nuts, berries, apples, and mushrooms.