Fisher cats, also known as fishers, are elusive and often misunderstood creatures. While they play a role in the ecosystem, their presence in residential areas can be a cause for concern. They’re opportunistic predators, and if your yard offers food or shelter, you might find yourself dealing with an unwanted visitor. This comprehensive guide will walk you through understanding fisher cats, identifying their presence, and implementing effective, humane methods to deter them from your property.
Understanding the Fisher Cat
It’s crucial to understand what you’re dealing with before attempting any removal strategies. Misidentification is common, often leading to ineffective or even harmful actions.
What Exactly is a Fisher Cat?
Contrary to their name, fisher cats aren’t actually cats. They are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae), closely related to martens, minks, and wolverines. Adult fishers typically weigh between 8 and 18 pounds and can be up to 40 inches long, including their bushy tail. They possess a dark brown or black coat with grizzled fur and a characteristic arched back.
Fisher Cat Behavior and Diet
Fishers are primarily nocturnal animals, making them difficult to spot. They are agile climbers and hunters, often preying on rodents, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and even porcupines. In suburban areas, they may also scavenge for food in garbage cans or prey on unattended pets like cats and small dogs, though this is less common than their reputation suggests. Their diet is highly opportunistic, meaning they will exploit whatever food source is readily available.
Why are Fisher Cats in Your Yard?
Fishers are attracted to yards for a variety of reasons, all related to the availability of resources. The most common attractants include:
- Food Sources: Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, bird feeders, and abundant rodent populations all provide easy meals for fishers.
- Shelter: Dense vegetation, woodpiles, sheds, and spaces under decks can offer safe havens for resting and raising young.
- Proximity to Habitat: If your property borders wooded areas or wetlands, you’re more likely to encounter fishers as they naturally traverse these habitats.
Identifying a Fisher Cat Presence
Before taking action, confirm that a fisher cat is indeed the culprit. Accurate identification is key to applying the right solutions.
Signs of a Fisher Cat
Distinguishing fisher cat activity from other wildlife can be challenging. Look for these telltale signs:
- Tracks: Fisher tracks are about 3-5 inches long and have five toes on each foot. The tracks may show claw marks, indicating the animal is a climber.
- Droppings: Fisher droppings are typically dark, tubular, and contain fur or bone fragments.
- Urine Odor: Fishers, like other mustelids, have a distinct musky odor that may be noticeable in areas they frequent.
- Disturbed Garbage Cans: Rummaged through trash is a common sign of many animals, including fishers.
- Pet Concerns: Anxious pets or unexplained disappearances of small animals could suggest the presence of a predator like a fisher.
- Vocalizations: Fishers can make a variety of noises, including growls, hisses, and screams, particularly during mating season.
When to be Concerned
While fishers generally avoid human contact, certain situations warrant extra caution:
- Daytime Activity: Fishers are primarily nocturnal, so daytime sightings, especially if the animal appears unafraid, could indicate illness or habituation.
- Aggressive Behavior: Although rare, fishers can become aggressive if they feel threatened or are protecting their young. Keep a safe distance and avoid direct confrontation.
- Visible Injuries: An injured fisher may be more likely to approach humans or pets for food. Contact animal control for assistance if you observe a distressed animal.
Effective Methods to Get Rid of Fisher Cats
Once you’ve confirmed a fisher cat presence, it’s time to implement strategies to deter them. Focus on removing attractants and creating an inhospitable environment.
Eliminating Food Sources
This is the most critical step in discouraging fisher cats from your yard. Without readily available food, they’re less likely to stick around.
- Secure Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans with locking lids. Store them in a garage or shed whenever possible. Consider using bungee cords or weights to further secure the lids.
- Remove Pet Food: Bring pet food indoors at night. If you feed pets outdoors, clean up any leftovers immediately.
- Eliminate Bird Feeders: Bird feeders attract rodents, which in turn attract predators like fishers. Consider removing bird feeders altogether or using feeders designed to prevent spillage.
- Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Remove fallen fruit from fruit trees promptly. Rotting fruit attracts rodents and insects, creating a food source for fishers.
- Control Rodent Populations: Implement rodent control measures, such as trapping or baiting, to reduce the availability of prey for fishers. Always use rodenticides responsibly and consider the potential impact on non-target species.
Removing Shelter and Habitat
Making your yard less inviting as a shelter can also discourage fisher cats.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed to reduce hiding places. Remove dense ground cover that could provide shelter for rodents.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in foundations, vents, and crawl spaces. Seal these openings with sturdy materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing.
- Secure Sheds and Decks: Ensure that sheds and decks are properly sealed to prevent fishers from taking up residence underneath. Install wire mesh around the base of decks to prevent access.
- Remove Woodpiles and Debris: Eliminate woodpiles, brush piles, and other debris that could provide shelter. Store firewood neatly and off the ground.
Using Repellents
While not always foolproof, certain repellents can help deter fishers.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices detect movement and emit a burst of water, startling fishers and discouraging them from entering your yard. Position them strategically to cover areas where fishers are likely to travel.
- Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are said to be unpleasant to fishers. However, their effectiveness is debated, and they may not work consistently.
- Commercial Repellents: Some commercial repellents are specifically formulated to deter wildlife, including fishers. Look for products that contain ingredients like capsaicin (derived from chili peppers) or predator urine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Scent Deterrents: Fishers are sensitive to strong odors. Consider placing rags soaked in ammonia or vinegar near areas where they frequent. Replace the rags regularly to maintain the scent.
Professional Assistance
If you’ve tried these methods and are still struggling with a fisher cat problem, consider seeking professional help.
- Wildlife Removal Services: Wildlife removal companies have the expertise and equipment to safely trap and remove fishers. They can also provide advice on preventing future infestations. Make sure any company you hire uses humane trapping methods and complies with local regulations.
- Animal Control: Your local animal control agency may be able to provide assistance with removing problem animals. They may also have information on local laws and regulations regarding wildlife management.
- Consulting with Experts: Contacting a wildlife biologist or extension agent can provide personalized advice on managing fisher cats in your area. They can assess your property and recommend the most effective strategies for your specific situation.
Legal Considerations
Before taking any action, it’s essential to be aware of the legal protections afforded to fisher cats.
State and Local Regulations
Fisher cats are protected in many states, and it may be illegal to trap, kill, or relocate them without a permit. Check with your state’s fish and wildlife agency to determine the specific regulations in your area. Violating these laws can result in fines or other penalties.
Humane Treatment
Even if trapping is permitted, it’s crucial to use humane methods that minimize stress and suffering for the animal. Live traps should be checked frequently, and captured animals should be released in a suitable habitat, if allowed by law. Avoid using inhumane traps, such as leg-hold traps or snares, which can cause serious injury.
Preventing Future Problems
Once you’ve successfully removed a fisher cat, take steps to prevent future problems.
Maintain a Clean Yard
Continue to practice good sanitation habits by securing garbage cans, removing pet food, and controlling rodent populations. A clean yard is less attractive to fishers and other wildlife.
Regular Property Inspections
Periodically inspect your property for potential entry points and signs of wildlife activity. Address any issues promptly to prevent infestations from becoming established.
Community Involvement
Talk to your neighbors about fisher cat prevention. A coordinated effort can be more effective than individual actions. Share information and resources to help everyone in your community protect their property.
Long-Term Solutions
Implement long-term solutions, such as installing permanent fencing or removing attractants permanently, to create a lasting deterrent. These measures will reduce the likelihood of fisher cats returning to your yard in the future.
By understanding fisher cat behavior, identifying their presence, and implementing effective prevention and removal strategies, you can protect your property and coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures. Remember to prioritize humane methods and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
What exactly is a fisher cat, and why is it in my yard?
Fisher cats, also known as fishers, are medium-sized mammals related to weasels, martens, and minks. Despite their name, fishers rarely eat fish. They primarily prey on rodents, rabbits, squirrels, and even porcupines. They are generally nocturnal creatures.
Fishers are attracted to yards that provide potential food sources or shelter. This includes yards with bird feeders (attracting rodents), unsecured garbage, pet food left outdoors, or dense vegetation offering hiding places. They might also be seeking a safe place to den and raise their young, particularly during the breeding season.
Are fisher cats dangerous to humans or pets?
While generally shy and avoiding human contact, fisher cats can become aggressive if they feel threatened or are protecting their young. Attacks on humans are rare but possible, especially if the animal is cornered or feels provoked. They possess sharp teeth and claws, capable of inflicting serious injuries.
Pets, particularly cats and small dogs, are more vulnerable. Fishers are known to prey on small animals, and a curious or confrontational pet could easily become a target. Keeping pets indoors, especially at night, and supervising them when outdoors is crucial for their safety in areas with fisher populations.
What are some signs that I have a fisher cat in my yard?
Several telltale signs can indicate the presence of a fisher cat. Look for tracks, which resemble those of a domestic cat but are generally larger, with five toes on the front feet and four on the back. Listen for their distinctive vocalizations, often described as screeches, howls, or chuckling sounds, particularly at night.
Other signs include overturned garbage cans, scattered birdseed, or evidence of predation on rodents or other small animals. You might also detect a strong, musky odor, especially near denning sites. If you find unexplained damage to your property, such as torn screens or damaged siding, a fisher cat could be the culprit.
How can I safely scare away a fisher cat?
Making your yard less appealing to fisher cats is key to driving them away. Clear away brush piles, woodpiles, and other potential hiding spots. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and bring pet food indoors at night. Consider removing bird feeders or using feeders that prevent seed spillage.
Loud noises, such as banging pots and pans or using an air horn, can startle a fisher cat and encourage it to leave. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can also deter them. Never approach or attempt to handle a fisher cat directly, as this could provoke an attack.
What are some natural repellents for fisher cats?
Certain scents can deter fisher cats from entering your yard. Ammonia-soaked rags placed near potential entry points or denning areas can be effective. The strong smell irritates their sensitive noses and encourages them to seek a different location.
Another option is to use predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine, which can be purchased at hunting supply stores. Sprinkle the urine around the perimeter of your yard or near areas where you have seen fisher cats. Reapply regularly, especially after rain.
Should I trap and relocate a fisher cat myself?
Trapping and relocating wild animals, including fisher cats, is generally not recommended and is often illegal without the proper permits. It can also be inhumane if not done correctly. Trapping can stress the animal and potentially injure it.
Furthermore, relocating a fisher cat to a new territory disrupts the local ecosystem and can lead to starvation or conflict with other animals. It is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service or your local animal control agency for assistance if you believe trapping and relocation are necessary.
When should I contact a professional about a fisher cat problem?
If you are unable to deter a fisher cat from your property using the methods described above, it is best to seek professional help. Also, if you observe aggressive behavior from a fisher cat, such as hissing, snarling, or approaching you directly, contact a wildlife removal specialist immediately.
Professional wildlife removal services have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove fisher cats from your property. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations and ensure the safety of your family and pets. They are familiar with local regulations and can ensure that the animal is handled legally and ethically.