Paths and Perils: Tracking the movement and survival of fishers in Connecticut
Avalonia values its role as a host for a range of scientific studies across the nearly 5000 acres of diverse habitat that make up its fee simple preserve system in southeastern CT. Currently our preserves are being evaluated for inclusion in a State-wide fisher (Pekania pennanti) study,
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in partnership with the University of Connecticut, is conducting a multi-year research study on fisher survival and habitat use in Connecticut.
Fishers have experienced major declines in recent years across New England, including here in Connecticut. While fishers often prefer large, mature conifer forests, Connecticut’s forests are primarily deciduous, fragmented, and closely mixed with development. This study is designed to examine how fishers persist in these conditions and to identify challenges they may face, including exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides, disease risk, increased road density, and limited access to suitable denning habitat.
To support this work, DEEP has launched a statewide live-trapping effort to safely capture fishers and fit select individuals with GPS collars. Tracking data collected through this project will help DEEP & UConn biologists evaluate the pressures fishers encounter across Connecticut, while also providing insight into how surviving individuals are navigating this changing landscape.
Since the pilot season began in 2023, the study has collared more than 60 fishers, and trapping efforts are currently expected to continue through spring 2027.
~Brooks Pitman, CT DEEP Wildlife Biologist
Having the opportunity to contribute to the larger understanding of fisher survival and habitat use in Connecticut aligns squarely with our mission and has the potential to provide important data that could aid in the stewardship of our preserves. Assuming some of our preserves are deemed suitable for study, site visits by DEEP biologists and other Furbearer Program team members may give Avalonia staff and interns some insight into our own use of trail cameras.
We ask if should you come across any live traps or trails cameras please don’t disturb them, but do alert the Avalonia office as to your observations.
Stay tuned for updates regarding this important work.