Following up on fisher cats in Wellesley

Prompted by recent sightings of fishers (also referred to as fisher cats) in Wellesley, we reached out to Animal Control Officer Jenny Smith to get some additional info on these members of the weasel family.

“Fisher cats are common in Massachusetts, this year there was a little more of an influx with them in town. I probably have received at least 6 if not more phone calls about them living on residents properties,” Smith said. She’s not at liberty to remove or relocate fishers, which some residents fear might harm their cats or dogs.

“I suggest to residents to try to deter fisher cats, focus on preventative measures like securing potential food sources (bird feeders, garbage, pet food). Scare tactics such as loud noises, spraying with water, clap your hands, yell, or use a whistle or air horn when you see a fisher can also be effective,” she says. “I also suggest if a resident is looking to have the fisher cats removed they would have to contact a Licensed Problem Animal Control (PAC) agent.”