COMMON NAME (S): Fisher (Pekan)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Martes pennanti

CLASSIFICATION: Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae

DESCRIPTION: Length: 2.5-3 feet (including tail)
Height at the shoulder: 9-10 inches
Weight: 4-12 pounds
General: Fishers have a typical weasel shape. The body is long and the legs are short. Most are dark brown, but color can vary from tan to almost black.

RANGE: Canada, some western states, parts of the southeast and from the Great Lakes to New England.

HABITAT: Preferred habitat is dense conifer forests at higher elevations.

STATUS: General: Declining overall but a slow comeback has taken place in some areas where they have been reintroduced.
               WA State: Declining.

DIET: Consists primarily of small mammals, birds, and amphibians. Some plant material and carrion is also eaten. Fisher are the primary predators of porcupines.

REPRODUCTION: Breeding extends from March through April. The gestation period is one year. Generally the female gives birth to two to four kits. At birth the newborn weighs two to three ounces.

LIFE SPAN: Ranges to about 12 years.

BEHAVIOR: An undisturbed fisher may be active day or night. They cover their territory in a circuitous manner during winter, covering 10 or more miles in 24 hours while searching for food. Most prey is taken on the ground; however, as North America's fastest tree climber, fishers will rapidly ascend trees in search of prey at the slightest sign of movement. They do not like rain and will den unless forced out by hunger. Fisher are extremely quick and are very good jumpers. Speed and agility enable them to successfully attack porcupines and defend themselves against larger predators.

SOURCES: Furbearing Animals of North America, Leonard Lee Rue III
Sleek and Savage, Delphine Haley