Fact File
Scientific Name: Martes pennanti pennanti
Classification: Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Mustelidae
Identifying Characteristics
This species is the largest of the genus with a long fox-sized body, short legs, and ears that are small and rounded. The tail is long and bushy, and the fur is dark, soft and varies with the season. They have a dark brown-black dorsum (may be frosted on the head, neck and shoulders), and a brown ventrum with white patches on the chest, axillar, and genital regions. The total length of the male is 900-1200 mm, and the female 750-950 mm with weights of 3.5-5.5 kg for males and 2-2.5 kg for the female. Mating dens are usually high in hollow trees, or in rock crevices. The litter size is from 1-5 and is born in the early spring. They are solitary, except briefly in the breeding season. Longevity in the wild has a minimum of 7 years. There is little predation on healthy adults, possibly some by owls, and hawks, especially on kits.
Distribution
Historically, fishers were probably widespread in the mountains of Virginia. They survive best in extensive forest and wilderness areas for the fisher home range is large – 15 to 35 square km. However, fishers were extirpated from the state by the late 1800’s (habitat destruction, excessive trapping and shooting). Wanderers from West Virginia started appearing along Virginia border areas in the 1970s and 1980s, likely dispersers from a reintroduction program in West Virginia. In the past 20 years, more fishers have been sighted in Virginia, predominantly in the northern and western counties, including evidence of reproductive populations. (Fishers have been confirmed in the following VA counties: Augusta, Botetourt, Clarke, Frederick, Giles, Page, Loudoun, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren.)
DWR is actively seeking reports of fishers in the state. If you have any verifiable information (i.e., photos, video, etc.) regarding the occurrences of porcupines in Virginia, please enter your information at DWR’s Rare Animal Observation Form.
Last updated: October 15, 2025
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.