Photos of Maine (Dutch, fish, pickup)

[ribbets]

Seen them in action, up close and really personal.Not good !!!!.

[Maine Writer]

Anything that can take out a porcupine gets my respect.

If anyone's wondering why fishers are such weird looking cats - they're not cats. Fisher cat is about as accurate as moose beagle and porcupine fish. Anyone know how they started being called cats?

The girls brought eggs up from the pond a few years ago and raised tree frogs in an aquarium.

[ribbets]

like most politicians It's a weasel

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by Bydand

Here are a couple:




They are usually between 30- 40" long and can weigh as much as 30#. They are wicked fast and believe it of not they can be quite curious when it comes to humans. I have had them follow me through the woods while out camping and they stayed about 20-25 feet away, then when they decided I was no fun, or just too damn big to eat they each have just turned and disappeared into the gathering darkness. They are nocturnal and the best time to see them is just before dark in the Summer. At least that is when I have come across them.

And they can take out a deer. And they are wicked fast.

Tell me how it is that a farmer can protect small livestock such as goats and poultry - not to mention lap dogs?

[Elcarim]

Looks pretty scary to me! Wonder how big those teeth are. I wouldn't want to come up on one of those after dark in the woods!

[ribbets]

we don't have a problem with our dogs and the fishers, we know there are four of the cats between us and the river around 1500' of swamp and the biggest tangle of trees and roots I've ever crawled through. They do seem to like house cats they stray down there and the only ones we've seen near the house were real young ones who are curious and won't stay long. A friend said he could trap them real quick and we would never have to worry about them again (wrong) let them be.. We've had rabbits and and all kinds of small pets that the kids have brought home and the fisher's have never bothered any of them. I spooked one of the young ones on my deck one night and she chased me back in the house and left.

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by AliceT

And they can take out a deer. And they are wicked fast.

Tell me how it is that a farmer can protect small livestock such as goats and poultry - not to mention lap dogs?

They don't.

I am going on the theory that multiple LDGs [Large Guard Dogs], that mark the territory each day [as they chase goats and chickens deep into the surrounding forest], will hopefully leave enough scent that it keeps most predators away.

Locals hear have told me tales of losing all their livestock, from various predators. Weasel, eagle, hawk, coyote, etc.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by AliceT

And they can take out a deer. And they are wicked fast.

Tell me how it is that a farmer can protect small livestock such as goats and poultry - not to mention lap dogs?

I have farm dogs. Maggie grabs most everything of any size by the back of the neck and gives it a hard shake, breaking the neck. Scooter isn't quite as fast and sometimes needs two or three tries. They seldom come out of anything with more than a scratch. Ideally they chase the predator away without making contact. These aren't average family pets, they're bred specifically for their work, similar to an LGD. They've dealt with one bobcat, coyotes, raccoons, wandering dogs, bulls and other problems.

Livestock isn't going to be their first meal of choice for an animal in the weasel family. They're going to go for the natural, easier meal when possible. I've never heard of a fisher bringing down a big animal but we do miss most of what happens in nature.

[Abbymoulton]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Anything that can take out a porcupine gets my respect.

If anyone's wondering why fishers are such weird looking cats - they're not cats. Fisher cat is about as accurate as moose beagle and porcupine fish. Anyone know how they started being called cats?

I heard years ago that only New Englad states call them "cats". This is for a couple reasons.... size and shape is a reminder of a large cat and they were one of the killers of many house cats. They fight like a mean cat and some of their sounds are like that of a cat. I don't know how accurate that is.....but that is how a few old Mainers explained it to me.

[Bydand]

Unless their natural food supply is very low, or they feel threatened, they will leave you and your pets alone.