A trapped fisher awaits the relocation process in Alberta. (Photo | Alberta Trappers Association)
“I think its a really exciting time for trappers because now we get to really showcase our passion for the bush, and for the animals in the bush, as well as showcase our passion for conservation.” says Malcolm Abercrombie, of the Alberta Trappers Association.
Alberta Trappers were contacted by biologists from the state of Washington, who were seeking assistance with reintroducing the Fisher (Pekania pennanti) to portions of the Cascade Mountain Range.
The project is part of a partnership between the Calgary Zoo, the Alberta Trappers Association, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Park Service and Conservation Northwest.
A fisher is released in Washington State. (Photo | NPS)
Since October, a total of 18 Alberta fishers have been trapped by professional fur trappers in the northern part of the province, where there is a thriving population, and trans-located to the Northern Cascade Mountains in Washington State.
But not before making a pit stop at the Calgary Zoo.
Each trapped fisher spent two weeks at the zoo, where staff monitored their individual health, food intake, mobility activity and took fecal samples to check for parasite loads and stress levels. After being anesthetized for blood and hair samples, age determination, vaccinations and de-worming, each individual went through a brief surgical procedure to implant a radio transmitter for tracking future movements after their release.
The transmitter is key to gauging the success of the population recovery over extended time, according to officials.
The Calgary Zoo is also conducting behavior research of their own on fishers in the wild and while at the zoo.
“As one of Canada's leading conservation charities, the Calgary Zoo is thrilled to bring our internationally recognized expertise in reintroduction science to such an important conservation initiative.” said Dr. Clement Lanthier, president & CEO of the Calgary Zoo in a press release.
“Reintroductions are one of the best tools we have in the fight against species loss and seeing these strong and healthy Alberta carnivores released into pristine forest habitat, is very rewarding.”
Twenty-one trappers have participated in the fisher relocation program, applying their traditional knowledge & skills to assist with the project. Local experienced trappers are often recognized as the fulcrum for conservation projects, especially those involving furbearers such as the Fisher.
Licensed trappers across Canada and the United States continue to be constantly called-upon to assist with a multitude of conservation projects held both by state wildlife agencies and biologists in the private sector, due to the level of skill set involved with catching elusive creatures like Fisher.
Bottom line - skilled trappers know their query like few others; giving insight that is unmatched when furbearers or their habitat become the topic of study.
The video below highlights the most recent reintroduction project, and the helping hand offered by Alberta trappers.
This isn’t the first time Fishers have made the boxed trek to Washington. The first release of fishers brought to the state from Canada was in 2008, according to media reports. Since 2002, the National Park Service, state Department of Fish & Wildlife, nonprofit Conservation Northwest and other partners have been working on restoration.
An anesthetized Fisher receives a full work-up prior to being shipped to Washington for release.
“Recovery efforts in Washington state are progressing well with fishers now established in much of their historic range in the Cascade Mountains and Olympic Peninsula,” Science and Conservation Director Dave Werntz stated during a press release earlier this year.
The plan is to release about 80 fishers total into the North Cascades through 2020.
Dr. Lanthier, of the Calgary Zoo, highlighted the need for all stakeholder groups to work cohesively in another statement release from last year.
"Fishers know no borders, and it is only when we work together without divisions that we can truly make a difference for species at risk around the world."
A Fisher is released in Washington. (Photo | Calgary Zoo)
Twenty-one trappers have participated in the fisher relocation program, applying their traditional knowledge & skills to assist with the project. Local experienced trappers are often recognized as the fulcrum for conservation projects, especially those involving furbearers such as the Fisher.