Massive Fisher Found In New York State [PHOTOS]

New York State is blessed to have such a wide variety of wildlife. From Niagara Falls to the Adirondack mountains, it is a conservationists paradise. But there is one animal that you may not have seen before but can be found just about everywhere.

A fisher is described as a large, dark, long-haired member of the weasel family. Their stature is relatively low to the ground, with short legs, small ears and a well-furred tail. The color of their fur varies from dark brown to nearly black.

Have you ever seen a fisher? This photo was taken in Orchard Park when this fisher was found dead on Powers Road.

Full grown fishers are normally 8-13 pounds. This animal weighed in at 14 pounds and 3 ounces!

I was sent this photo via Twitter and according to the source, this animal was taken for examination by DEC officers.

According to Wikipedia:

Fishers have few predators besides humans. They have been trapped since the 18th century for their fur. Their pelts were in such demand that they were extirpated from several parts of the United States in the early part of the 20th century. Conservation and protection measures have allowed the species to rebound, but their current range is still reduced from its historic limits.

As far as fur hunting and trapping goes, New York State officials have adopted a new law and policy regarding how these animals are taken and ruling out contests.