Fishers are definitely in MN. They are fairly "common" in the entire Arrowhead. I don't know how far south they normally go, but even if it is unusual for your area, I'd say it is completely possible.

What you saw does seem to be a little large. Fishers' movements are similar to minks, or to a less extent, weasels. Often their heads are a slightly different color than the rest of their body. But they also have color phases, like foxes, for instance. The rounded ears are a prominent feature, IMO.

They are definetly here in MN, I am in the Northwest corner of the state, and saw one not to long ago. My brother saw one too.

Jenny P

Hi Linda! The fisher would be a pretty cool yard animal to see! Too bad you didn't get pics.

Here's some info I found through the MN DNR site. First page is general info, then click on the link at the bottom for more info on fishers. It states that males can get up near 20 pounds. That would be pretty sizeable!

Kristy :)

Here is a link that might be useful: DNR - fishers

Could it have been a possum? Helen.

Do you think it was this?

Here is a link that might be useful: Fisher

Or could it have been this?

Here is a link that might be useful: Wolverine

We do have lots of possum, but I am positive it wasn't one. The tail was very bushy, and it was dark brown, where possums have a bare tail and those I've seen around here are white/gray and much smaller.

I am still thinking a fisher. It looked just like those photos.

Never considered a wolverine, do we have them in MN? This didn't have any white on it, so I doubt it was a wolverine. But I will check out more info on those, too.

Linda

I was pretty sure I saw a wolverine up north one time a few years back- The noise they make is pretty remarkable. I do not think they all have a light coat-
I have seen a fisher- and it does move like a cat- except it keeps it's tail out straight behind it's body for the most part- at least as I have seen. It is odd how it holds it very think otter like tail...
Either way- keep the pups away- and enjoy their sightings!
I was really frightened when I first saw your subject that I was going to read about a cougar..... Thank goodness that is NOT the case!

Julie