Fisher

Martes pennanti

Fisher. Photo:Mont St-Hilaire Nature Center

These animals are closely related to the American marten and look superficially alike. The two species also share a similar distribution in Canada. Although dubbed as a "fisher" by man, they rely very little on fish as part of their diet (approximately 1%). They feed mainly on small mammals such as flying squirrels, voles, and hares. Fishers are opportunistic hunters and will feast upon carrion. They are less arboreal than their close relatives the martens. Fishers are not very social and it is rare to see an adult male and female together outside the breeding season.

Distribution of Fisher in Canada