Cat-killer spotted on Hinton
By Evan Thornton
Martes pennanti — the fisher – is large member the of marten family.
Also related to the weasel, fishers are increasingly being seen in urban contexts and are known to prey on cats.
Just how they negotiate living in built-up areas is still somewhat of mystery but this writer recently had an experience on Hinton Avenue that may shed some light on their habits.
While walking southbound at about 11.00 P.M., I spotted a fisher calmly walking across the street from the west to the east; this individual was nearly twice the size of a typical housecat. On gaining the eastern side of the street it went into a pool of shadow and never came out. Closer inspection revealed a storm sewer entrance under the sidewalk where the animal had disappeared.
It is known that fishers often live close to streams and rivers; in this case it appears the fisher had found a watercourse that also offered perfect cover.
Fishers are the only animal known to regularly prey on porcupines; a domestic cat has no chance whatsoever against this long-clawed and sharp-toothed predator. Cat owners are reminded to keep their pets indoors especially at night when fishers are most active.
