Pet Owners Look Out For Fisher Cats, Morris Co. Vet Warns

MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ — Fischer cats, a type of weasel, have been seen in Morris County and pet owners should stay alert, the Rockaway Animal Hospital is warning.

Fischer cats are a member of the weasel family about the size of a house cat and are carnivorous. The animal hospital says they've been spotted in Mountain Lakes and in the Tourne park area.

"Don’t let the size fool you, they have been known to kill animals larger than themselves and will go after our feline friends. Please keep your cats inside and don’t leave your small dogs unattended outside especially around dawn and dusk," the hospital said.

They usually prefer a diet of small wildlife and plants but have eaten cats and small dogs on occasion. They are nocturnal but can be active at any point of the day. Fischer cats are born in the spring and wean for about four months.

Fischers have a fairly distinct "scream" sound. You can hear it here:

Image via YouTube