Feb., 191 2. Mammals of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 389 



be seen in the heavy timber along Lake Michigan (/. c, 1854, p. 578) 

 and again later, "It has been found within a few years in northern 

 Illinois and appears to be an inhabitant of the woods alone" (I. c, 1859, 

 p. 241). Strong (1883) says it was found in Wisconsin in the same 

 districts as the Pine Marten in the northern and central portions of 

 the state (/. c, p. 436). Dr. John T. Plummer informs us that, 

 previous to the year 1820, the Fisher was not uncommon in Wayne 

 Co., Indiana.* 



The Fisher is largely arboreal in its habits, climbing trees with 

 great facility; but unlike the Marten it prefers timbered swamps and 

 w^oods near water, for we are told that in summer frogs form a not 

 inconsiderable portion of its diet. It also eats fish when it finds them, 

 but the name of Fisher, by which it is popularly known, is inappropriate, 

 inasmuch as it rarely catches live fish and by far the greater portion of 

 its food consists of mammals, such as Mice, Hares, Squirrels, Porcupines, 

 etc., varied occasionally by birds and eggs. That it does not confine 

 itself when in search of prey to animals smaller than itself is vouched 

 for by various writers. Dr. Elliott Coues states that it kills the Rac- 

 coon, and Seton says he has been told by trappers that it will attack 

 and kill Foxes. f To cap the climax Mr. Manly Hardy claims it has 

 been known to kill a full grown Deer. He says: "In spite of their 

 small size and light weight. Fishers not only kill Deer, but can and do 

 kill those of the largest size. When I first heard of this I doubted 

 it, but know now that they often do it. A year ago last fall, my old 

 friend, Louis Ketcham, was following the track of a large buck near 

 the head of Nahmakanta Lake. In going along the side of a high 

 granite ledge he saw where the buck had fallen, and there was blood 

 on the snow. After stumbling along a few rods, it had fallen again, 

 and there was more blood. This was repeated several times, and then 

 he saw where the buck had struck a Fisher which had been clinging to 

 its neck and biting it, and had knocked it several feet to one side. The 

 Fisher was evidently badly hurt, as Louis said it dragged its hind-legs, 

 making a track in the snow like an Otter, and had crawled into a crack 

 in the ledge. On going back he found that the Fisher had been on top 

 of the ledge, where the Deer path led along close to it, and had sprung 

 down upon the Deer and was trying to bite the jugular vein. I have 

 known of instances where they have been successful in doing this. "J 



The Fisher is one of the few animals which prey habitually upon the 

 Porcupine. Mr. E. T. Seton says: "George Linklater, for many years 



*Amer. Journ. Sci. and Arts, XLVI, 1844, p. 246. 



t Life Histories of Northern Animals, II, 1909, p. 939. 



t Shooting and Fishing, April 13, 1899, p. 526. 



