How To Trap A Fisher Cat: Humane Ways

Can you trap a fisher cat? Yes, it is possible to trap a fisher cat, and when done correctly, it can be a humane method for managing their presence or relocating them if they are causing problems. This guide will delve into the intricacies of humane fisher cat trapping, offering practical advice and ethical considerations for fisher cat removal. We’ll explore the best fisher cat traps, discuss effective fisher cat bait, detail the process of setting fisher cat traps, and touch upon preventing fisher cat damage and deterring fisher cats through fisher cat exclusion.

Deciphering Fisher Cat Behavior and Habits

Before we discuss trapping, it’s crucial to grasp fisher cat behavior. Fisher cats, scientifically known as Pekania pennanti, are medium-sized, agile mammals native to North America. Despite their name, they are not felines but rather members of the weasel family (Mustelidae). These intelligent and opportunistic predators are known for their elusive nature and their ability to adapt to various environments, from dense forests to suburban areas.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Build: Fishers are long-bodied with short legs, giving them a low-slung appearance. Adults typically measure 20-27 inches in body length, with a tail adding another 13-17 inches. Males are generally larger than females.
Weight: Their weight can vary significantly, with males typically weighing 7-13 pounds and females 4-7 pounds.
Appearance: They possess a dark brown to black coat, often with lighter grizzled or frosted fur on their back and tail. A distinctive bushy tail is a key identifying feature.

Habitat and Distribution

Fishers are found across the boreal forests of Canada and the northeastern United States, extending south into the Appalachian Mountains. They prefer mature forests with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, often near water sources. However, their adaptability means they can be found in younger forests and even urban fringe areas where food and shelter are available.

Diet and Hunting Strategies

Fishers are omnivores, but their diet primarily consists of small mammals like squirrels, mice, and voles. They are also known to prey on rabbits, birds, insects, and even carrion. A unique aspect of their diet is their ability to hunt porcupines. Their strategy involves attacking the porcupine’s face, disabling it, and then consuming the flesh and quills, which they seem to be immune to. This predatory prowess makes them a significant factor in the ecosystem, controlling populations of other animals.

Activity Patterns

Fishers are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They are excellent climbers and spend a considerable amount of time in trees, using them for hunting, resting, and escaping predators. They also utilize dens in hollow trees, logs, or rock crevices.

Why You Might Need to Trap a Fisher Cat

In some situations, fisher cat removal might become necessary. While they play a vital role in the ecosystem, their presence can sometimes lead to conflicts with humans, particularly in areas where they have become accustomed to human food sources or have caused damage.

Common Issues Leading to Fisher Cat Trapping

Livestock Predation: Although rare, fishers can prey on small livestock such as chickens, ducks, or young lambs, especially if their natural food sources are scarce or if they are accustomed to easy access to farm animals.
Pet Safety: While direct attacks on larger pets are uncommon, smaller pets like kittens, puppies, or rabbits left outdoors unattended can be vulnerable.
Damage to Property: Fishers are known to investigate and sometimes burrow into sheds, decks, or crawl spaces in search of shelter or prey, potentially causing minor structural damage.
Nuisance Behavior: In areas with high fisher populations, they might become bold and approach human dwellings, creating unease or perceived threats.

Comprehending Humane Fisher Cat Trapping Principles

The cornerstone of responsible wildlife management is humane fisher cat trapping. This means employing methods that minimize stress, injury, and suffering to the animal. The goal is not to harm the fisher cat but to safely capture and relocate it or to deter it from a specific area.

Key Principles of Humane Trapping

Targeted Capture: Using the best fisher cat traps that are designed to capture the animal without causing injury.
Baiting Strategies: Employing appropriate fisher cat bait that is attractive to them but not indiscriminately to other non-target species.
Regular Checks: Checking traps frequently, at least twice a day (morning and evening), to ensure the captured animal is not exposed to harsh weather, dehydration, or prolonged stress.
Safe Handling: Having a plan for safely handling and relocating the captured fisher cat.
Non-Lethal Methods: Prioritizing live traps that do not harm the animal.

Selecting the Best Fisher Cat Traps

Choosing the right trap is paramount for successful and humane fisher cat management. Several types of traps can be effective, but live traps are highly recommended for their humane approach.

Types of Live Traps

Box Traps: These are typically wire mesh or solid-sided cages with a spring-loaded door that closes when the animal triggers a bait mechanism. They are widely available and effective.
- Features to Look For:
  - Size: A trap that is approximately 30-36 inches long, 10-12 inches wide, and 10-12 inches high is generally suitable for adult fishers.
  - Door Mechanism: A trigger plate that is sensitive enough to activate the door but not so sensitive that it’s triggered by vibrations or wind.
  - Durability: A sturdy construction that can withstand the animal’s attempts to escape and environmental conditions.
  - Safety: Smooth edges inside and outside to prevent injury to the animal.
Cage Traps: Similar to box traps, these are made of wire mesh and offer good visibility of the captured animal.
Leg-Hold Traps (Careful Consideration): While some professional trappers use specialized leg-hold traps designed to safely hold the animal without causing severe injury (like padded jaws or offset jaws), these require a high degree of expertise to set correctly and check frequently. For most individuals, live box traps are a safer and more humane option. It’s crucial to research and adhere to local regulations regarding leg-hold traps, as their use may be restricted.

Factors in Choosing a Trap

Local Regulations: Always check with your local wildlife agency or department of natural resources for any regulations regarding trapping devices and seasons.
Ease of Use: The trap should be relatively easy to set up, bait, and transport.
Portability: If you need to move the trap to different locations, consider its weight and ease of carrying.

Effective Fisher Cat Bait

The success of humane fisher cat trapping often hinges on the effectiveness of the fisher cat bait. Fishers are attracted to strong, meaty scents.

Recommended Fisher Cat Baits

Meats:
- Fish: Smoked fish, sardines, mackerel, or salmon scraps are highly effective. The strong odor is very appealing.
- Poultry: Chicken carcasses or parts, turkey scraps, or even raw chicken.
- Red Meat: Rabbit, squirrel, or even beef scraps can work well.
Commercial Lures: There are also commercial fisher cat lures available that are specifically formulated to attract these animals. These can be used in conjunction with bait.

Baiting Techniques

Placement: Place the bait at the back of the trap, behind the trigger mechanism. This encourages the fisher cat to step fully onto the trigger plate to reach the bait.
Scent Trails: To further entice the fisher, you can create a scent trail leading to the trap using small pieces of bait or lure.
Varying Baits: If one type of bait doesn’t seem to be working, try a different one. Fishers can have preferences.

Setting Fisher Cat Traps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to catch a fisher cat requires careful placement and setup of the traps. Setting fisher cat traps properly increases your chances of success and ensures humane capture.

Site Selection

Observation: Observe the areas where you’ve seen fisher cats or evidence of their activity (tracks, scat, claw marks on trees).
Natural Travel Routes: Set traps along known fisher cat travel paths, such as along the base of trees, near fallen logs, or along fence lines.
Den Sites or Potential Shelter: If you know of a den site or an area where a fisher cat might seek shelter (e.g., under a shed), setting a trap nearby can be effective.
Proximity to Food Sources: If a fisher cat is frequenting an area where it’s causing problems (like a chicken coop), setting traps nearby might be necessary, but always with the safety of other animals in mind.

Trap Placement and Setup

Clear the Area: Remove any debris or vegetation around the trap’s entrance to ensure unobstructed access.
Camouflage (Optional but Recommended): Lightly camouflage the trap with natural materials like leaves, twigs, or pine needles. This helps it blend into the environment and makes the animal less wary. Avoid covering the trigger mechanism or door.
Placement of Bait: Place the bait at the very back of the live fisher cat trap. For added appeal, you can place a small amount of bait on the trigger plate itself (be careful not to obstruct its movement) or create a scent trail leading into the trap.
Secure the Trap: Ensure the trap is placed on a stable, level surface so it doesn’t tip or move when the animal enters.
Cover the Trap (Optional): Some trappers like to cover the sides and top of the trap with a tarp or burlap. This can make the animal feel more secure inside the trap and reduce stress. Again, ensure the door and trigger are not obstructed.
Avoid Non-Target Species: If possible, try to set traps in locations where non-target animals (like domestic pets or endangered species) are less likely to encounter them.

Handling Captured Animals

Once a fisher cat is trapped:

Approach with Caution: Never approach a trapped animal aggressively. Speak in a calm, soft voice.
Cover the Trap: Immediately cover the trap with a blanket or tarp. This helps to calm the animal and reduces its stress.
Inspect for Injury: Gently check the animal for any visible injuries.
Relocation Plan: Have a plan for relocation. Generally, animals should be relocated to suitable habitat at least 20-30 miles away from where they were caught, in an area with sufficient food and water, and away from human development. Check local regulations for any specific relocation guidelines or restrictions.
Release: Gently open the trap door, allowing the fisher cat to leave at its own pace. Stand back and give it space.

Preventing Fisher Cat Damage and Deterring Fishers

While trapping can be effective for immediate fisher cat removal, long-term solutions often involve preventing fisher cat damage and deterring fishers from your property. This is where fisher cat exclusion strategies come into play.

Property Modifications and Exclusion Techniques

Secure Trash and Pet Food: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and store pet food indoors. Fishers are opportunistic and will readily scavenge if given the chance.
Protect Livestock: If you keep chickens or other small livestock, ensure coops are predator-proof. This means strong wire mesh (1×2 inch hardware cloth is recommended), secure latches, and burying the mesh at least a foot deep around the perimeter to prevent digging.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect sheds, garages, and crawl spaces for any openings that a fisher cat could use for shelter or to access prey (like rodents). Seal these openings with sturdy materials.
Remove Attractants: Clean up fallen fruit from trees and remove any potential food sources from your yard.
Fencing: While a determined fisher can climb, sturdy fencing around vulnerable areas, especially chicken coops, can offer an additional layer of protection.

Deterrent Methods

Repellents: While there aren’t many commercially available repellents specifically for fishers, strong odors like ammonia-soaked rags placed near potential entry points might offer temporary deterrence. However, these need frequent reapplication and their effectiveness can be limited.
Noise and Light: Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can sometimes startle and deter wildlife, including fishers, from approaching certain areas.
Habitat Modification: Keeping your yard tidy and removing brush piles or debris can reduce potential hiding places for both fishers and their prey.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Trapping wildlife is subject to regulations, and it’s essential to be aware of and comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

Important Points to Remember

Permits: In many areas, a permit is required to trap furbearing animals, even for nuisance control. Contact your local wildlife agency to determine what licenses or permits are necessary.
Seasons: There are often specific trapping seasons for certain animals. Ensure you are not trapping outside of these designated periods.
Check Local Ordinances: Some municipalities may have additional rules or prohibitions regarding wildlife trapping.
Non-Target Species: Be vigilant about the possibility of catching non-target animals, such as raccoons, opossums, or even domestic animals. Using appropriate bait and trap placement can minimize this risk.
Relocation Restrictions: Some jurisdictions have strict rules about where trapped animals can be released or may require that they be humanely euthanized by a licensed professional. Always confirm these regulations.

Conclusion: Responsible Fisher Cat Management

Successfully trapping a fisher cat involves more than just setting a trap. It requires an understanding of their behavior, the selection of appropriate and humane equipment, careful baiting and placement, and a commitment to ethical practices. By focusing on humane fisher cat trapping and incorporating fisher cat exclusion strategies, you can effectively manage potential conflicts while respecting the wildlife. Remember, the ultimate goal is to coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures, intervening only when necessary and always with the animal’s welfare as a top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best time of year to trap a fisher cat?

While fishers are active year-round, trapping is often most effective during the fall and winter months when their natural food sources might be scarcer, making them more attracted to bait, and when their thick fur makes them less susceptible to cold weather exposure if temporarily held. However, it’s crucial to check local regulations, as trapping seasons can vary significantly by state or region.

Q2: Can I use a rabbit as fisher cat bait?

Yes, a rabbit, or parts of a rabbit, can be effective fisher cat bait. Fishers are adept hunters and are attracted to the scent of mammals. However, ensure that any bait used is sourced legally and that you are not using protected or endangered species.

Q3: How do I know if I have a fisher cat problem?

Signs of a fisher cat presence include tracks in snow or mud, droppings (scat) that often contain fur and bone fragments, claw marks on trees, and occasionally evidence of predation on small livestock or pets. If you hear them, they can produce a variety of sounds, including screams and hisses.

Q4: Is it legal to trap a fisher cat in my backyard?

Legality depends entirely on your location. Many areas have specific laws and regulations regarding trapping wildlife, including protected species or animals that are subject to hunting and trapping seasons. Always contact your local wildlife agency or department of natural resources to confirm the legality and any required permits or licenses before attempting to trap a fisher cat.

Q5: How often should I check my fisher cat traps?

To ensure humane trapping, live fisher cat traps should be checked at least twice a day, ideally once in the morning and again in the evening. This minimizes the time an animal spends stressed in the trap and reduces the risk of exposure to adverse weather conditions, dehydration, or predation by other animals.

Q6: What should I do if I trap a fisher cat?

If you successfully trap a fisher cat, approach the trap with caution. Cover the trap with a blanket or tarp to calm the animal. Assess the animal for any injuries. Have a relocation plan ready, ensuring it’s to a suitable habitat at least 20-30 miles away from your property and in accordance with local wildlife regulations. Release the animal at a safe distance and allow it to depart on its own.

Q7: Are there humane ways to deter fishers without trapping?

Yes, employing fisher cat exclusion and deterring fisher cats through non-lethal methods is highly recommended. This includes securing all food sources (trash, pet food), reinforcing structures like chicken coops to prevent entry, sealing openings in sheds or crawl spaces, and removing potential hiding places like brush piles. Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can also serve as deterrents.

Q8: What are the best fisher cat traps for humane capture?

The best fisher cat traps for humane capture are generally live cage traps or box traps. These are designed to capture the animal without causing physical harm, allowing for safe relocation. Ensure the trap is of adequate size (around 30-36 inches long) and constructed with safety in mind, with no sharp edges.

Q9: How do I set fisher cat traps effectively?

To effectively set fisher cat traps, choose a location where you’ve observed fisher activity or along their natural travel paths. Place appropriate fisher cat bait at the back of the trap, behind the trigger mechanism. Consider lightly camouflaging the trap with natural materials and ensuring it’s on a stable surface. Regular checking is crucial for humane trapping.