Posted on 10/31/2005 8:56:33 AM PST by Graybeard58
WESTERLY, R.I. -- Mike Andreozzi had just stepped outside to check on his family's beloved Pomeranian when he saw what appeared to be a large cat grab it from his lawn.
He has since learned that the little dog was probably taken by a fisher cat. Fishers, which are actually members of the weasel family, are becoming more common in Westerly and other populated areas of western Rhode Island.
Fishers nearly died out in the 1800s after forests were cleared and they were hunted for fur. But reforestation allowed them to repopulate southern New England, according to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Then, as natural habitats were developed, they moved into areas with more people.
Animal Control Officer Thomas Gulluscio said he has received numerous calls about fishers as well as coyotes. Residents have found the half-eaten carcasses of two dogs, and some reported losing sheep.
One Westerly woman reported seeing a fisher at 8 a.m., which is unusual for the nocturnal animals.
Fishers can grow as large as 12 pounds and 40 inches long. Hard to spot because they can climb trees, they emit a sound that reminds some people of a baby's cry.
Fishers usually eat squirrels, rabbits, mice and other small animals, although Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management biologists say they have been known to eat dead deer. People should not let their pets out alone or leave garbage or food where wild animals can get it, animal control officers say.
Because fishers are a protected species, they cannot be hunted.
However, Rhode Island law allows homeowners to kill them to protect domestic pets, livestock and property. The dead animal must be turned over to the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
We have a lot of martens in my area. Beautiful pelts.
Badgers?...We don't need no stinkin badgers!...
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