WDFW releases eight fishers as part of effort to reintroduce species to North Cascades

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — Biologists released eight fishers in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest on Thursday as part of an effort to restore the species to Washington State.

The four female and four male fishers were captured in Alberta, Canada as part of a multi-year project to reintroduce around 80 fishers to the North Cascades.

They had veterinary checkups at the Calgary Zoo and were equipped with radio transmitters to track their movements and population recovery over time.

Fishers are a house cat-sized member of the weasel family. They were eliminated from Washington by the mid-1900s as a result of over-trapping and habitat loss. They are listed as an endangered species by the state of Washington,

They are related to wolverines and otters, and are native to Washington forests. Fishers prey on various small mammals, like mountain beavers, squirrels and snowshoe hares. They are one of the few predators of porcupines.

“Fishes are vulnerable, and we are working alongside partners, demonstrating creativity and persistence together to bring them back,” said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind.

The latest fisher release is part of an ongoing partnership led by WDFW, the National Park Service and Conservation Northwest.

Fishers have also been reintroduced in recent years on the Olympic Peninsula and near Mount Rainier in the South Cascades.

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