When was the last time a fisher was seen in Cuyahoga County, Ohio?

A fisher was last confirmed in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in the 1800s before the recent sighting.

Are fishers related to cats or fish?

Despite the name 'fisher cat,' these animals are neither cats nor fish-eaters. They are members of the weasel family.

What caused the fisher population to return to Ohio?

Successful conservation and reintroduction programs in neighboring states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia are credited with the fisher's return to Ohio.

Home / Environment / Ohio Welcomes Back Elusive Fisher After 200 Years

Ohio Welcomes Back Elusive Fisher After 200 Years

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A fisher was sighted near Cleveland, marking its first appearance in nearly 200 years.
Conservation efforts in surrounding states have led to the fisher's return.
Fishers are forest carnivores in the weasel family, not cats or fish-eaters.

Ohio Welcomes Back Elusive Fisher After 200 Years

For the first time in nearly two centuries, an elusive fisher has been confirmed near Cleveland, marking a significant moment for wildlife in Ohio. Captured on a trail camera within Cleveland Metroparks, this sighting represents the species' return to Cuyahoga County after an absence dating back to the 1800s. Wildlife officials expressed excitement, viewing this as a triumph for conservation efforts.

The return of fishers, along with other extirpated species like otters and bobcats, is a testament to the improving health of Ohio's natural habitats. These forest-dwelling carnivores, belonging to the weasel family and often misnamed 'fisher cats,' primarily consume rodents but also include fruits and nuts in their diet. Their reappearance is largely linked to successful reintroduction programs in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.