Despite their common portrayal in folklore and media as aggressive creatures, the actual danger a fisher cat poses to humans is often misunderstood. Many wonder if these animals, also known simply as fishers, can inflict serious harm or even be fatal. While encounters are possible, understanding their true nature and behavior clarifies the minimal risk they present.
Understanding the Fisher Cat
The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is a medium-sized mammal in the weasel family, Mustelidae. Males weigh 8 to 16 pounds, comparable to a house cat or small dog, while females are smaller, 4 to 6 pounds. Their total body length, including their long, bushy tail, ranges from 2 to 3 feet. These animals have long, slender bodies with short legs and semi-retractable claws, aiding their climbing.
Fishers are solitary and elusive, preferring to avoid human contact. They are opportunistic predators, hunting small to medium-sized mammals like rodents, squirrels, and porcupines. Despite their “cat-like” appearance and the misconception that they hunt fish, fishers do not typically consume fish. Their diet also includes birds, eggs, and fruits.
Assessing the Danger to Humans
Unprovoked attacks by fishers on humans are rare. These animals are shy and more inclined to flee from people than to confront them. When an attack happens, it is almost always a defensive action, often when the fisher feels trapped, threatened, or is protecting its young.
Injuries from fisher encounters typically involve bites and scratches. Isolated reports include a woman hospitalized with leg wounds and infection, and a 12-year-old boy who sustained bites. An aggressive fisher that attacked multiple parkgoers was later determined to be rabid, highlighting that disease can alter an animal’s behavior. However, fatal attacks on humans by fishers are improbable and not documented. The myth of a “screaming fisher cat” preceding an attack is inaccurate; such sounds are more commonly attributed to red foxes.
Safety and Prevention
Minimizing encounters with fishers involves limiting attractants around homes. Removing potential food sources is a primary step, including securing outdoor pet food, tightly sealing garbage cans, and cleaning up spilled bird seed, as these items can draw fishers and other wildlife into residential areas. Providing accessible food can also lead to fishers losing their natural fear of people.
Supervising pets is another important preventative measure. Keep small pets indoors, especially during dusk and dawn when fishers are most active. If a fisher is sighted on your property, remain calm and maintain a safe distance of at least 20-30 feet. Making loud noises, such as clapping or yelling, or spraying the animal with a garden hose can encourage it to leave without causing harm. Clearing dense brush and sealing openings under porches or foundations can reduce potential hiding and denning spots for fishers near homes.