Hearing a bloodcurdling scream in the dead of night that sounds like a woman being attacked? Chances are, you're not dealing with a crime scene, but rather a fisher cat, a surprisingly vocal member of the weasel family. These elusive creatures, also known as fishers, are becoming increasingly common in suburban and even urban areas, leading to potential problems for homeowners and pets alike. While they may seem cute from afar, their predatory nature and capacity for property damage can make them unwelcome guests.
Dealing with fisher cats is a serious matter for a number of reasons. They are skilled hunters who prey on small animals, including cats, rabbits, and even poultry. Furthermore, they have been known to den under sheds, porches, and in attics, causing structural damage and leaving behind unpleasant odors. Ignoring a fisher cat problem can quickly escalate, leading to costly repairs and potential harm to your beloved pets. Understanding how to safely and effectively manage these animals is crucial for maintaining a peaceful and secure home environment.
What are the most frequently asked questions about fisher cat removal?
What are the most effective methods for repelling fisher cats from my property?
The most effective methods for repelling fisher cats involve a combination of habitat modification, eliminating food sources, and employing scent-based deterrents. This multi-pronged approach reduces the attractiveness of your property and encourages them to seek resources elsewhere.
Fisher cats are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they'll eat almost anything they can find. Start by removing potential food sources such as pet food left outdoors, unsecured garbage cans, fallen fruit from trees, and bird feeders (especially those with seeds readily accessible). Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and bungee cords or store them in a shed or garage. Clear away brush piles, woodpiles, and overgrown vegetation, as these provide ideal hiding and denning locations for fisher cats and their prey. Also, consider managing rodent populations, as rodents can attract fisher cats. Scent-based deterrents can also be effective. Ammonia-soaked rags placed in areas where fisher cats frequent can deter them, as the smell mimics predator urine. Motion-activated sprinklers can startle them, especially when combined with bright lights. Some homeowners have reported success with commercial predator urine products, but their effectiveness can vary. Fencing can be considered, but fisher cats are adept climbers and diggers, so a fence would need to be high, sturdy, and extend a foot or more underground. A combination of these techniques offers the best chance of success in repelling fisher cats from your property.Are there any natural predators I can attract to keep fisher cats away?
Unfortunately, attracting natural predators to specifically deter fisher cats is generally not a practical or reliable solution. While fisher cats do have some predators, like bobcats, coyotes, and great horned owls (especially for juveniles), deliberately attracting these animals can be difficult, create new problems, and is unlikely to consistently deter fishers from your property.
While it might seem logical to introduce a predator to control the fisher cat population, attempting to manipulate the ecosystem in this way is rarely effective and can have unintended consequences. For example, attracting coyotes could lead to increased predation on pets and other desirable wildlife. Similarly, large birds of prey primarily target smaller animals, and while they *might* occasionally take a juvenile fisher, they're unlikely to deter adults. Furthermore, attracting predators requires providing a consistent food source, which could inadvertently attract *more* fisher cats as well, especially if you are also attracting prey animals to feed the predators. The most effective way to manage fisher cats is through preventative measures that make your property less attractive to them. These include removing potential food sources like accessible garbage, pet food, and bird feeders. Secure chicken coops and other vulnerable livestock. Eliminate potential denning sites by sealing up sheds, garages, and crawl spaces. Loud noises and motion-activated sprinklers can also help deter them. Focus on these direct methods rather than relying on the unreliable and potentially problematic approach of attracting other predators.How do I identify a fisher cat and distinguish it from other animals?
Fisher cats, despite their name, are not cats but are members of the weasel family. Key identifiers include a long, slender body with short legs, a bushy tail approximately one-third of their total length, and dark brown to black fur that may have a grizzled appearance. They typically weigh between 5-12 pounds and are about the size of a large domestic cat, though with a much more elongated body. Look for a pointed snout and rounded ears, differentiating them from larger canids like foxes or coyotes, and smaller mustelids like weasels or mink.
Fisher cats are often confused with other animals, particularly martens. Both belong to the same family, but fishers are generally larger and darker in color. Martens tend to have a more yellowish or brown fur. Size is a key difference; adult fishers outweigh martens significantly. Also consider the animal's gait; fishers have a distinctive bounding movement. Tracks can be useful, but they can be difficult to differentiate from similar-sized animals. Fisher tracks typically show five toes on both front and hind feet, although often only four toes register in the prints. Another way to identify a fisher is by its behavior. Fishers are skilled climbers and hunters, preying on a variety of animals, including rodents, birds, and even porcupines. Although generally solitary, they are active during the day and night, so seeing a medium-sized, dark-furred mammal moving confidently through trees, especially in wooded areas, could very well be a fisher. Listen for their vocalizations, which range from growls and hisses to chuckles and screeches. These noises, combined with visual confirmation of the physical characteristics, will assist in accurate identification.What kind of damage do fisher cats typically cause, and how can I prevent it?
Fisher cats, while generally not a direct threat to humans, can cause damage around properties through predation of small pets and poultry, denning in outbuildings like sheds and garages, and creating messes while searching for food. Prevention focuses on securing potential food sources, reinforcing vulnerable structures, and creating a less attractive environment for them.
Fisher cats are opportunistic hunters and scavengers. Their primary food source is small mammals, but they will also prey on birds (including chickens and ducks), eggs, reptiles, amphibians, and even fruits and nuts if available. Unprotected pets, especially cats and small dogs left outdoors, are vulnerable. Securing poultry in sturdy coops with wire mesh extending underground to prevent digging is crucial. Bringing pets indoors at night is highly recommended. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to eliminate another potential food source. Clearing fallen fruit and keeping outdoor areas clean will also reduce attractants. Furthermore, fisher cats often seek shelter in sheds, garages, under decks, or in crawl spaces. Seal any openings larger than a few inches to prevent them from denning in these areas. Use heavy-gauge wire mesh or metal flashing to close gaps under decks or around foundations. Motion-activated lights can also deter them from approaching your property. Consider professional animal exclusion services if you are struggling to manage fisher cat activity on your property. Remember, relocation of wildlife is often illegal and can be detrimental to the animal’s well-being and the ecosystem.Is trapping and relocating fisher cats a viable solution, and what are the legal implications?
Trapping and relocating fisher cats is generally not a viable long-term solution and often carries significant legal implications. While it might seem like a humane approach, it's typically ineffective because relocated animals often struggle to survive in unfamiliar territories, may attempt to return, and could disrupt existing ecosystems. Furthermore, the legality of trapping and relocating fisher cats varies greatly depending on your location and is often heavily regulated or completely prohibited.
The main problem with relocating fisher cats is that they are territorial animals with established home ranges. Moving them into a new area puts them at a severe disadvantage. They must compete with resident fishers for resources and territory, making them vulnerable to starvation, predation, and conflict. They also might not be familiar with the local food sources or shelter options, further diminishing their chances of survival. This also creates stress for the existing fisher population in that region. Legally, most states and provinces have specific regulations regarding the trapping, handling, and relocation of wildlife, including fisher cats. Many jurisdictions require permits for trapping, and some outright ban the relocation of wildlife due to the potential for disease transmission and ecological disruption. Violating these laws can result in hefty fines or even legal prosecution. Before considering trapping, it's crucial to contact your local wildlife agency or department of natural resources to understand the specific regulations in your area. Often, they can provide guidance on humane and legal alternatives for managing fisher cat problems, such as exclusion techniques or habitat modification.What smells or substances do fisher cats dislike that I can use as deterrents?
Fisher cats are known to dislike strong, pungent odors. Ammonia, specifically, is a commonly cited deterrent. Other substances reported to be effective include strong citrus smells, and predator urine, particularly that of dogs, coyotes, or foxes, which signals danger to them.
While ammonia-soaked rags placed around your property can be a relatively inexpensive option, be sure to refresh them frequently, especially after rain. Consider placing them in areas where you suspect fisher cats are entering or causing problems, such as under decks, near sheds, or along fence lines. The goal is to create an olfactory barrier they find unpleasant, discouraging them from lingering or establishing a territory. Predator urine can be purchased at hunting supply stores or online. This is a more natural approach, mimicking the scent of animals that would prey on fisher cats. Apply it strategically around your property perimeter. Like ammonia, predator urine will need reapplication after rain or extended periods. Citrus smells can be created using peels or citrus-scented cleaners; however, their effectiveness is generally considered less potent and shorter-lasting than ammonia or predator urine. Rotating deterrents may improve success, as animals can become accustomed to a single scent over time.How can I make my home and yard less attractive to fisher cats?
The most effective way to deter fisher cats from your property is to eliminate potential food sources and remove or modify any structures that could serve as shelter. This involves securing garbage cans, removing pet food, clearing brush and woodpiles, and closing off access to crawl spaces and under decks.
Fisher cats are opportunistic predators and scavengers. They are attracted to readily available food, so managing potential food sources is crucial. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and store them indoors whenever possible, especially overnight. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and if you feed pets outside, remove any uneaten food promptly. Fallen fruit from trees should be picked up regularly, and bird feeders, while attractive to birds, can also attract rodents, which in turn attract fisher cats. Consider suspending bird feeding temporarily if fisher cat activity is observed. Fisher cats also seek out sheltered areas for resting and denning. Reducing or eliminating these areas can make your property less inviting. Trim shrubs and bushes to eliminate dense ground cover. Clear away brush piles, woodpiles, and rock piles. Inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or openings under decks and sheds. Seal these openings with sturdy materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing. If you have a crawl space, ensure that it is properly sealed and that the vents are covered with strong mesh. By taking these preventative measures, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of fisher cats visiting or establishing residence on your property.So, there you have it! Hopefully, these tips will help you humanely evict those pesky fisher cats and keep them from coming back. Thanks for reading, and good luck! Feel free to stop by again for more wildlife wisdom and home improvement hacks.