Fisher May Be Listed

Washington endangered species

Despite being protected from trapping and pest control for 64 years, the fisher continues to struggle for existence in Washington.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Department is proposing the large member of the weasel family be added to the state list of endangered species.

Public meetings on the proposal are scheduled in Eastern Washington, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. as follows:

Tuesday, Columbia County Fairgrounds Youth Building in Dayton.

Wednesday, Spokane County Regional Health District Auditorium, 1101 W. College Ave. in Spokane.

According to agency biologists, key factors in the failure of the fisher to make a comeback include habitat destruction by logging and development, past predator and pest control programs and low inherent reproductive capacity of the species.

Fishers have large home ranges and generally avoid large openings, wildlife officials say.

Despite extensive surveys, biologists have not been able to confirm that fishers still reside within Washington. However, incidental sightings and captures indicate they at least come into the state.