An incredible effort is underway to locate an elusive creature

Reintroduced in Washington in 2008, scientists and volunteers are trying to figure out how well fishers are doing

Video and story by Deborah Bloom, November 3, 2022. Scientists studying wildlife conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest are processing thousands of photos, thanks largely to the efforts of an intrepid group of hikers.

Columbia Insight recently followed volunteers from Cascade Forest Conservancy as they ventured deep into Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest to retrieve wildlife cameras hidden in locations far removed human trails. The motion-activated cameras are part of a study tracking the movements of fishers.

The elusive, weasel-like mammals faced near extinction in the early 1930s from over-trapping and habitat loss. In a collaborative statewide project involving numerous organizations, fishers were reintroduced to Washington forests beginning in 2008.

Fishers are still threatened by habitat loss, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Scientists hope the wildlife photos will show them how the re-wilding process is going.

In September, environmental advocates filed a federal lawsuit claiming the Biden administration has ignored the best available science by denying endangered species protections for some West Coast fishers, including in Washington.

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