180 CABNIVORA FISSIPEDIA. 



often seen, although its range extends from the Himalayas, 

 where it is generally found at an elevation of from 7,000 to 

 8,000 feet, to Nilgiri. This species generally travel in par- 

 ties of five or six, and give utterance to a low chuckle, which 

 becomes a harsh cry when they are excited. 



FISHER. 



The largest member of the Marten group is the Fisher 

 (Mustela-pennanti), known also as the Pekan, Fisher 

 Marten, Pennant's Marten, ''Black Fox" and "Black 

 Cat;" the two last titles having been given it because in 

 size, color and build it resembles the fox, and cat, more 

 than it does the Weasel. The length of the body is 

 from twenty-four to thirty inches, and the tail is from 

 twelve to eighteen inches long. The general color of the 

 fur is a blackish brown becoming grey at the head and 

 neck, but showing no light colored patch at the throat. 



The range of the Fisher covers the greater part of 

 North America from the upper part of Texas to Alaska, 

 but continual hunting has exterminated the animal in 

 the sections east of the Mississippi River. It is nocturnal 

 and aboreal in habit and very agile, often leaping from 

 tree to tree in pursuit of its prey. Its nests are found in 

 holes in trees, high above the ground. The skins are at 

 their best in the northern country from October to May, 

 and the customary mode of capturing the animal is by 

 means of set traps. 



The name Fisher is evidently a misnomer, for while it 

 will eat any fish that may come in its way it does not 

 catch fish for itself, and makes its home in the swamps 

 and on the wooded sides of the mountains, away from the 

 water, feeding principally on snakes and porcupines, 

 varying the diet occasionally by devouring one of its own 

 cogeners. 



The fur is coarser and not as valuable as that of the 

 American Marten, but it is handsome and durable, and in 

 fair demand for fine neck pieces and muffs. In the Euro- 

 pean markets the Fisher is generally known as the Vir- 

 ginia Polecat. 



It brings forth its young in April or May, producing 

 from two to four at a birth. 



