Fishers are house-cat sized members of the weasel family, related to minks and otters. They are native to the forests of Washington, including the Olympic Peninsula, but disappeared from the state because of overtrapping in the late 1800s/early 1900s and habitat loss.

In early 2008, 18 fishers were released into Olympic National Park, marking the beginning of a three-year reintroduction project and restoration of these creatures to the State of Washington.

Quick Links to More Information about Fishers and Fisher Reintroduction

Fishers in Washington Website
Hosted by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, this site has photos, video and frequent updates about the Olympic fisher reintroduction effort.

News Release: After a Long Absence, Rare Native Mammal Returns to Washington State and Olympic National Park (January 27, 2008)

News Release: Seven Fishers Released Yesterday in Olympic National Park (March 2, 2008)

Questions and Answers about Fisher Reintroduction to Olympic National Park (pdf), January 2008