Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

In their natural behavior, how do fishers primarily hunt?

1. By stalking prey on the ground

2. By climbing trees to catch birds

3. By outsmarting and attacking porcupines

4. By using traps

The correct answer is: By outsmarting and attacking porcupines

Fishers are adept hunters known for their unique capability to take down prey, with porcupines being a significant part of their diet. They possess strong physical prowess and specialized techniques for hunting, allowing them to overcome the formidable defenses of porcupines, which have sharp quills. Fishers demonstrate intelligence and agility during the hunt, often employing strategic approaches to catch these typically well-protected animals. The other options do not accurately represent the primary hunting behavior of fishers. While fishers may occasionally climb trees, their principal hunting strategy revolves around their effectiveness against porcupines. Stalking prey on the ground or utilizing traps is not characteristic of their natural hunting methods, which mainly rely on their ability to confront and overpower specific species that other predators might avoid. Thus, option C encapsulates the most representative behavior of fishers in their natural habitat.