There have been reported sightings of fisher cats on the Cape for more than two years, but there has never been any evidence to prove their existence. The discovery of a dead fisher on Route 130 in Sandwich confirmed their presence.<\/p>\n

On Cape Cod, they\u2019ve been mostly suburban legend, with sightings reported for nearly two years. But there has never been any confirmation that the critters had made their way across the Cape Cod Canal, according to Thomas French, assistant director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.<\/p>\n

Sandwich police Officer Bruce Lawrence saw what looked like a large cat or small dog at the side of Route 130 near the Massachusetts Military Reservation. He suspected it might be a fisher, but called animal control officer Timothy Houlihan to be sure. Houlihan brought the dead animal, which had been struck by a car, to Cape Wildlife Center in West Barnstable where experts there got their first look at Cape Cod\u2019s newest species.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s the first time we\u2019ve had actual documentation,” said Judy Ellal, a rehab manager and veterinary technician. “We\u2019ve had sightings, but no photos to prove they exist here.” Based on the size of the fisher and the good condition of its sharp teeth, Ellal suspects it was about 1 year old. She said it weighed 11 pounds and was 23 inches long, including a 15-inch bushy tail.<\/p>\n

Wildlife experts say with an already growing fox and coyote population, it\u2019s another reason to keep cats and small dogs safely indoors at night. They don\u2019t believe there is any threat to small children, however. “It\u2019s a fair assumption you\u2019re not going to have toddlers running around the woods at night,” Ellal said, noting that fishers are nocturnal.<\/p>\n

Fishers don\u2019t attack dogs, but can defend themselves against larger animals if they\u2019re cornered, French said.<\/p>\n