Mink or Fisher?

It’s Critter Cam time again. Although we checked this camera just last weekend, the captures go back to last winter as you can see. It’s pretty clear that this critter is either a mink or a fisher, but it’s not always easy to tell the difference. Let’s examine what distinguishes these two elusive creatures.

With a robust weasel-like build, the fisher appears as an oversized mink but has relatively short legs and excellent climbing skills. Its name is a misnomer – fishers primarily hunt small mammals while also eating carrion, berries, and nuts rather than fish.

Adult fishers reach 24-30 inches long. Females generally weigh 6-8 lbs while males grow up to 18 lbs.

In contrast, minks have a smaller cat-like size of 12-16 inches and weigh just 1-2.25 lbs. Look for a subtle white patch on their chin or chest to identify them. Minks also have a shorter, less bushy tail compared to fishers.

While fishers prowl the forests seeking squirrels, rabbits, and porcupines, semi-aquatic minks hunt fish, frogs, crayfish, and small mammals near waterways.

My best guess is that this is a mink, but knowing the location of the camera, I’m a little surprised as it is nowhere near a wetland or even a stream where you would commonly find a mink. In fact, the location would seem more appropriate to a fisher. What’s your call?

Stay tuned as our Critter Cams continue chronicling Devil’s Lake State Park’s wildlife stories through the seasons!