The Fisher Cat, one of New Hampshire's most elusive animals, and a ferocious predators of small game. They are very fast on their feet and can turn on a dime. Few ever get the chance to see a fisher, mainly because they are nocturnal, but can be heard calling in the woodlands during their mating season. They have a chilling scream very much like the voice of a high pitched child.

This particular fisher cat was born and raised in Rindge on Old New Ipswich road in the rocky ledges which exists near the Boy Scouts camp. Being a night owl as well, the author would observe this particular fellow at night and returning through our back yard in the morning during the winter.

A fisher cat can grow up to thirty pounds. The Rindge fisher was twenty seven pounds and was estimated to be five years old. On March 7,1999, (election day in Rindge) I found him on the road adjacent to Grassy Pond a victim of a traffic accident. I know this is the same cat that lived on Old New Ipswich road because, after seeing this fellow almost every night or morning the fresh tracks he left in the snow never appeared again.

Written and photographed by Chet Sinclair

Timber Frame Homes American Contemory Art

I have gotten many emails from around the eastern part of the country about seeing fisher cats. For those who want to, I put the fisher cat on a mug at . http://www.cafeshops.com/sinclairart . Also when I get a chance I'll share some of the stories with visitors.