Fisher Identification

If you have potentially sighted a fisher in New Jersey please contact us for more information. Before even examining the animal itself consider the following factors when trying to identify fishers:

What time of day was the animal spotted?: Fishers are rarely active during daylight hours and are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal. During the day there are several mammals present in New Jersey which closely resemble the almighty fisher.
What are the habitat conditions where the animal was sighted?: Although fishers will occasionally chase prey into open areas, they usually avoid fields, lawns, marshes, and clearings. Fishers prefer dense forests with overhead tree coverage along with extensive undergrowth of shrubs and saplings.
How close to human development was the animal spotted?: Fishers are known to sometimes venture into suburban areas and near roadways but only during time periods when there is little or no human activity. Other animals such as woodchucks, otters, and raccoons will tolerate humans and vehicles in close proximity and quickly become habituated to people.

How to distinguish a fisher from other animals:

Woodchuck (Groundhog)

Fisher

When comparing a fisher and a woodchuck, pay close attention to the length of the tail and the way the animal moves. Fishers have longer tails and slender bodies with darker fur. Woodchucks run or waddle while fishers leap or use bounding movements. Fishers are quick and agile members of the weasel family and woodchucks are chunky members of the rodent family.

River Otter

Fisher

When differentiating fishers from otters the most important thing to note is the habitat. Although either animal can be seen in the water or land, otters are almost always near or in water and fishers are almost never in water. Otters are also about twice the size of fishers and have a smoother appearance and pointier tail.

Mink

Fisher

Mink and fishers are difficult to tell apart. However, mink are highly aquatic while fishers are more arboreal. Also fishers are about two to three times the size of mink and have longer tails.