These weasel-like animals are good at hunting and climbing trees. They are one of only a few animals that can kill and eat a porcupine. To avoid its quills, they use speed to stay in front of the porcupine and swat and bite at its face.

What They Eat
Despite their name, fishers do not catch or eat fish. Instead, they eat small or dead animals, and wild berries and nuts when available.

Where They Live
Fishers need mature forests or dense wetlands. Slender bodies allow them to follow prey into hollow trees or burrows in the ground. They do not keep a den, though they may hole up for a short rest or to avoid extreme cold.

What They Do
Fishers are constantly moving and have excellent hunting adaptations. Their claws are semi retractable and their wrist and foot joints are flexible. Their hind feet can swivel 180 degrees allowing them to go down a tree headfirst.

How They’re Doing
In the past, fishers almost disappeared from Minnesota’s northern forests because of excessive trapping and logging. They are now doing well again.

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Fisher

Fisher

Fisher

Normally shy and secretive, fishers are difficult to breed in zoos. However, on March 23, 2008, three fisher kits were born at the Minnesota Zoo.

Hind paws that rotate allow fishers to grasp branches and climb down trees head first.