Fisher Sightings in New Jersey Spark Wildlife Research into Rare Mammal’s Return

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Northwest New Jersey — A woodland predator once thought extinct in the state is quietly making a comeback. The fisher, a member of the weasel family, is being closely tracked by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife as part of a multiyear research project aimed at understanding its return and migration patterns.

Fishers Return to the Garden State

Once extirpated (eliminated) from New Jersey in the early 1900s due to trapping and habitat loss, fishers are now being spotted again—especially north of Route 80 and west of Route 287. Areas such as High Point State Park, the Delaware Water Gap, and even towns like Denville have reported sightings over the last two years.

“We’re mostly just focused on their movement and distribution throughout the state,” said Peter Stark, senior biologist at the Division’s Bureau of Wildlife Management.

Trail Cameras and GPS Tracking Aid the Study

To monitor fisher activity, wildlife biologists have deployed 150 trail cameras across northwest New Jersey. In addition, some fishers may be humanely trapped and fitted with GPS collars to help determine their travel ranges and preferred habitats.

While researchers are still reviewing footage, the project is expected to continue into 2026 as they compile data and search for trends.

A Look Back: Fisher History in New Jersey

Fishers were wiped out in New Jersey nearly a century ago due to the disappearance of coniferous forests and extensive fur trapping. However, reintroduction programs in New York’s Catskill Mountains during the 1970s and later in Pennsylvania during the 1990s may have naturally reestablished populations across state lines.

Notable milestones include:

• 📸 2006: First video evidence of a fisher in Stokes State Forest (Sussex County)

• 🐾 2009: Tracks found in the snow by a wildlife biologist and reporter

• 📈 2016: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ announces a fisher resurgence

Fisher Behavior and Public Risk

Despite the name, fishers are not aquatic. Instead, they are upland forest dwellers, preying on small mammals, birds, and even porcupines.

Although sometimes labeled as aggressive, fishers generally avoid humans, Stark said.

“They’re not associated with human habitation or infrastructure. In terms of public risk, I’d say it’s very minimal.”

Report Fisher Sightings to Help the Study

New Jersey residents are encouraged to report any fisher sightings to assist in the research. You can:

• 📞 Call the DEP Action Line at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337)

• 📝 Submit details via the NJ Fish and Wildlife official website

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