Fisher

(vertebrate zoology) Martes pennanti. An arboreal, carnivorous mammal of the family Mustelidae; a relatively large weasellike animal with dark fur, found in northern North America.

A carnivorous mammal that is a member of the family Mustelidae, which also includes the minks, ferrets, martens, weasels, badgers, otters, skunks, and wolverine. The American fisher (Martes pennanti) occurs in forested areas of North America. The fur, which is valuable, is variable in color, but always dark, and does not change color seasonally. The fisher has a long, lithe powerful body with short legs and a long muzzle. These animals breed once a year, and the two to four young are born in the nest high above the ground. This species is now nearly extinct in the eastern United States. See also Badger; Carnivora; Marten; Otter; Skunk; Weasel; Wolverine.