Q&A for How to Keep a Fisher Cat Away

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  • Question
    Would a Fisher cat try to get in a house?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it had easy access and sensed prey (house cats, rabbits, mice). But mostly fisher cats stay outside and go for the easier prey in chicken coops and around the yard.
  • Question
    Is a fisher cat really a cat?
    Community Answer
    No. Despite its name, it's actually a weasel.
  • Question
    Can a larger dog protect a smaller dog from a fisher cat?
    Jennifer Bernard
    Community Answer
    It depends. If the larger dog is a protective dog with a loud bark who can sense the fisher cat, it could scare the cat away. The best breeds for this type of protection are Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain and Sheepdogs. You don't want to risk a highly aggressive dog getting into a battle with a fisher cat because they are vicious creatures with razor sharp claws and huge teeth.
  • Question
    Are fisher cats found in New Jersey?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's happened, but sightings are rare.
  • Question
    Can I scare off a fisher cat with a small air horn?
    Community Answer
    You can, but be warned, once they stop running they will turn around to see if they can catch the easy prey again.
  • Question
    I heard screaming near my house. Is this a fisher cat?
    Community Answer
    It might be. In fact, the screaming of a fisher cat is so human sounding that people have mistaken the scream for a woman being harmed.
  • Question
    Will they stay in one area, or do they tend to move around?
    Community Answer
    Fisher cats will try to attack prey repeatedly. If they fail multiple times, only then will they move to a different area.
  • Question
    How do I know if I have a fisher cat in my area?
    Community Answer
    You may hear screaming that sounds like a woman. Also, if you have a chicken coop and your chickens are disappearing, there is a chance you have a fisher cat nearby.
  • Question
    Are there fisher cats in CT?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they are scattered throughout the state.
  • Question
    Are there fisher cats in Kentucky?
    Community Answer
    Most likely not. Fisher cats mainly live in the northern U.S. (Maine, Vermont) and Canada.
  • Question
    Should I worry if I have small dogs who like to hunt when fisher cats are around?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Read the article above. Large dogs can scare them off, but small dogs can be seen as prey. Fisher cats have even been known to attack small children.
  • Question
    What do I do if a fisher cat is killing my livestock?
    Community Answer
    Consider a livestock guard dog that protects the designated territory in which your livestock resides.
  • Question
    Can a fisher cat push up a dumpster bar?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they can. They have opened mine a couple times. You will have to put a lock on it or fasten a bungee cord around it to keep them out.
  • Question
    Are fisher cats nocturnal, or do they seek prey during daylight?
    Riverblade
    Community Answer
    Fisher cats are mainly nocturnal but are sometimes active during the day.
  • Question
    What time of day do fisher cats hunt?
    Community Answer
    They are most active at dawn and dusk, so they would usually hunt during those times.
  • Question
    Do fisher cat screams attract other fisher cats?
    DancingFox
    Community Answer
    Fisher cats usually scream because they are mating, attracting mates, or warning of danger.
  • Question
    We spotted 3 fisher cats early this morning. One hissed at me then they all jumped the stone wall where my neighbor has chickens. Should I give him a heads up?
    NowUknow
    Community Answer
    Yes. It is not just a neighborly thing to do, but it can make the fisher cats learn that your neighbor’s chickens are not a good food source.
  • Question
    I'm homeless. I live in a tent in North East Connecticut. I need to keep some goods in my tent, wrapped in a tarp bag. What can I do to protect myself from raccoons and fisher cats?
    Community Answer
    If you can you get a galvanized can with a locking lid, this is ideal. Behrens makes them and you can get them at Tractor Supply or Ace Hardware. Sizes are something like 6 gallon and 10 gallon. The larger sizes do not have a locking lid. They aren’t expensive - less than $20.
  • Question
    Are there fisher cats in Maryland?
    SMR2354
    Community Answer
    Fishers occupy much of western Maryland. Fishers are common in the Northeast and Midwest but are rare in the Northern Rockies and Northwest.
  • Question
    Are there fisher cats in southern Massachusetts?
    SMR2354
    Community Answer
    They may be potentially found in practically every community in Massachusetts.
  • Question
    Do fishers hibernate?
    SMR2354
    Community Answer
    Fisher cats do not hibernate. They're awake all year around.
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