Porcupines are not an essential part of the fisher's diet because fishers live in areas not inhabited by this prey species. The fisher is a close relative of the marten. Similar in structure and body proportions, the fisher is nearly twice as large as a marten, and four times as heavy. Their coats also differ. The fisher's coat is very dark brown to blackish brown with gold to silver hoariness on the head and shoulders.
Fishers have strong, moderately large feet with hairy soles.
Each foot has five toes that terminate in sharply curved, partially retractable claws. The legs and tail are black. The chest has a variable cream-colored patch. Woodland Park Zoo's fishers are located in the zoo's award-winning Northern Trail. We received our fishers from Northwest Trek Wildlife Park where they have an extensive breeding program in progress for the fisher.