How to identify it
Large dark mustelid with a long body, pointed face and long bushy tapering tail. [1]
Species it is confused with
Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.
- American marten · Martes americana
Field notes
- Identification Do not identify Fisher from colour alone. Compare structure, size, range and the listed similar species before making a field decision.[1]
Where it lives
Mature and regenerating forest across northern North America. [1]
How it behaves
Opportunistic carnivore hunting on the forest floor and in the canopy: squirrels, chipmunks, mice, porcupines, plus insects, fruit and fungi. [2]
Where it is listed for legal take
These authorities list this species for legal take in their own regulations.
Conservation and protection
- ENDANGERED — The fisher, Southern Sierra Nevada Distinct Population Segment: listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 2020-06-15. · ECOS species profile: Fisher
Where legal take is listed
- Alberta — trapping · Alberta Guide to Trapping Regulations 2026-2027
- British Columbia — trapping · 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis
- Manitoba — trapping · Trapping of Wild Animals Regulation, M.R. 245/90, Schedule A
- New Brunswick — trapping · Hunt & Trap Regulations Summary 2026–2027
- Northwest Territories — trapping · NWT Summary of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, July 1 2022 - June 30 2023
- Ontario — trapping · O. Reg. 670/98 Open Seasons — Wildlife (read via e-Laws .doc export)
- Québec — trapping · Périodes de piégeage
- Saskatchewan — trapping · 2026-27 Trappers Guide
- Alaska — trapping · 2026-2027 Alaska Trapping Regulations No. 67
- Connecticut — trapping · 2026 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide
- Maine — trapping · 2026-27 Maine Trapping Lawbook
- Maryland — hunting, trapping · 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping (official guide, linked from dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide)
- Minnesota — trapping · Minnesota Hunting & Trapping Regulations (effective July 2026 - June 30, 2027)
- Montana — trapping · 2026 Wolf, Furbearer, Trapping and Hunting Regulations
- New Hampshire — hunting, trapping · Fis 300 Wildlife Seasons and Rules
- North Dakota — trapping · 2026-2027 Small Game, Waterfowl and Furbearer Proclamation
- Pennsylvania — trapping · 2026-27 Seasons and Bag Limits
- Rhode Island — trapping · Hunting and Trapping Regulations (250-RICR-60-00-9)
- Vermont — trapping · 2026 Vermont Guide to Hunting & Trapping Laws (official lawbook, publisher-hosted)
- West Virginia — trapping · West Virginia 2026-2027 Hunting Season Dates | WVDNR
- Wisconsin — trapping · 2026 Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Seasons PUB-CS-076-2026 (updated 06/08/2026)
Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.
Where it is found
Northern North America
Sources
Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.