What could easily be mistaken for a neighborhood kitty, is actually a deadly and ferocious beast and is known in parts of New England as a fisher cat. These feline-like terrifying things are known to live in woodsy areas and prey on domesticated animals as well as rabbits, squirrels, mice, porcupines (what?!) and other unsuspecting creatures. Fishers are also known to eat geese and turkeys, as well as the eggs and young of these birds that make easy targets.
They look cute, but could kill your dog.
They are agile in trees and have slender bodies that allow them to pursue prey in all sorts of natural settings. The crazy thing is, they deceivingly look like house cats! However, they are surprisingly not related to the feline family, but rather are members of the weasel family.
Luckily I have never personally encountered a fisher cat, because they are usually nocturnal, however I have unfortunately experienced hearing their screams right outside my window. They sound like what I can imagine a zombie sounds like – blood curdling and ear piercing. The scariest thing I have learned about them is that they are apparently known for one of their calls, which has been said to sound like a child screaming and can be mistaken for someone in dire need of help. Where did these killer kitties come from?!
According to FisherCatScreech.com, “these animals were displaced and their numbers dwindled many years ago, when the farmers cleared the forests and surrounding areas for agriculture. Fishers who are susceptible to trapping and logging were badly affected during this time and were forced to move out into other neighboring areas such as scattered locations in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, and Virginia. However due to their departure from the aforementioned area, the porcupine population started swelling; and in order to control this menace, the people of New England re-introduced the fishers to curb the porcupine numbers.”
Despite its name, fisher cats seldom eat fish. According to wikipedia, the name may originate from the French word fichet, referring to the pelt of a European polecat.
Although some zoologists speculate that fishers actually prey on domesticated animals often, there was a beagle in Southbury, Conn. that was torn to shreds by a fisher last year according to Katherine Shaw, a junior at Pomeraug High School in Southbury.
The Southerner's Guide to New England 