Fisher
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Martes pennanti
Though also known as "Fisher cat," "Pennant's cat" and "Pecan," this animal does not fish nor is it a cat. The Chippewan Indians knew it best and called it "Tha-cho" or "Big Marten." Both marten and fisher live in the same areas and are similar in appearance. The fisher is darker and larger than the marten, reaching 5 kg (12 lb.) in weight and 90 to 125 cm (35 to 50 in.) in length. It is possibly the swiftest and most agile of the weasel family. Although the marten can overtake the red squirrel, the fisher can overtake the marten and can outrun the snowshoe hare.
The fisher's diet varies from small birds, rodents, lynx, fox, raccoon and porcupine to young deer and bighorn sheep. It is a nocturnal hunter and is active all year. Due to its agility, both on the ground and in trees, a fisher has virtually no natural enemies. Mating occurs in April, a week after the female has given birth to two or three young.
