Report Fisher Sightings

A fisher sitting under a log. A fisher is a medium-sized carnivore with dark brown to black fur, a broad head, pointed snout, small ears, short legs, and a long tail. Fishers are members of the weasel family.
Photo: National Park Service, Emily Brouwer, Flicker

The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is in the weasel family Mustelidae, along with weasels, mink, martens and otters. Fishers have light brown to black fur, with white patches on the chest, and long, bushy tails and short legs. They have a wide head with a small, pointy snout, and rounded ears. Males are larger than females. On average, fishers weigh between 3 to 13 pounds, although their size depends on genetics and the available food supply. They are about 3 to 3.5 feet long including the tail.

These medium-sized carnivores are found in forested areas and inhabit both coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. There are no known populations of fisher in Illinois. Individuals may move into Illinois from neighboring states. A fisher was documented in Illinois in 2023.

If you have seen a fisher in Illinois, please report the sighting, along with photos or other evidence, in the form below.