Bobcat Vs Fisher Cat: What’s The Difference?

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

Have you ever seen a bobcat or fisher cat and wondered what the difference is?

Both of these wild cats are native to North America, but they have some distinct differences.

In this bobcat vs fisher cat blog post, we will take a closer look at both of these animals and highlight the key differences between them.

So, read on to learn more about these two animals.

Fisher Cats

A fisher cat, also known as a fisher, is a medium-sized wildcat found in North America.

They are members of the family Felidae and are related to other felines, such as lions and tigers.

Fishers have short fur that is typically black or dark brown, with some lighter markings on their chest and belly.

They are approximately two feet long and weigh around six pounds.

They are expert climbers and can often be found perched in high trees or on rocky cliffs overlooking the water.

Fishers primarily feed on small mammals such as squirrels, hares, and rabbits, but they will also eat birds, fish, and insects.

While fisher cats are not commonly seen by humans, they are considered an important part of the ecosystem.

They help control the population of small mammals, which in turn helps to maintain the balance of the forest environment.

Fishers are also known to help control the spread of Lyme disease, as they eat the ticks that carry the disease.

Bobcats

Bobcats are about twice as big as domestic cats and have reddish-brown fur with black spots.

They live in woods and swamps and eat small animals such as rabbits, rodents, and birds.

Bobcats are usually shy but can be fierce when they need to be.

They are hunted for their fur, which is used to make coats, hats, and other items.

Fisher Cat vs Bobcat – Main Differences

Sounds

The fisher cat and the bobcat are both members of the Lynx family, but they make different sounds.

The fisher cat is a shy creature and makes a soft, mewing sound.

The bobcat is more aggressive and makes a loud, harsh meow or roar.

Fisher cats do not typically attack humans, but bobcats sometimes do.

Tracks

The tracks of a fisher cat are smaller than those of a bobcat.

Fisher cats have four toes on their front paws and five toes on their back paws.

Bobcats have five toes on both their front and back paws.

Fur

The fur of a fisher cat is shorter and denser than the fur of a bobcat.

Fisher cats typically have black or dark brown fur, with some lighter markings on their chest and belly.

Bobcats have reddish-brown fur with black spots.

Tail

The tail of a fisher cat is bushier than the tail of a bobcat.

Fisher cats use their tails for balance when they climb, while bobcats use them to help them balance when they run.

Hunting

Fisher cats hunt small mammals such as squirrels, hares, and rabbits.

Bobcats hunt small animals such as rabbits, rodents, and birds.

Size

Bobcats are about twice as big as domestic cats.

Fisher cats are approximately 2-3 feet long and weigh around 6 pounds.

Which One Would Win In A Fight?

It’s hard to say for sure since each animal likely has its strengths and weaknesses, but the fisher cat is likely to be more agile and faster, while the bobcat may have more strength.

In the end, it probably depends on the individual animals involved in the fight.

But I’d bet my money on the bobcat.

Which One Would You Rather Encounter In The Wild?

If you’re looking for an animal that is shy and typically avoids humans, go with the fisher cat.

If you’re looking for an animal that is more aggressive and may potentially attack humans, go with the bobcat.

Either way, be sure to use caution if you encounter either of these animals in the wild.

How Can I Identify The Tracks Of A Bobcat?

The tracks of a bobcat are very distinctive and it is easy to identify them if you are familiar with their appearance.

They have a long, sinuous body shape and their prints are typically around 3-4 inches wide.

The hind paws are slightly smaller than the front paws and the claws are usually visible in the tracks.

How Can I Identify The Tracks Of Fisher Cat?

bobcat vs fisher cat

The fisher cat is a solitary, forest-dwelling creature that is seldom seen by humans.

These animals are nocturnal and elusive, making it difficult to identify their tracks.

However, there are some tips you can follow to help you determine if you have come across the tracks of a fisher cat.

The first thing to look for is the size of the tracks.

Fisher cat tracks are generally about 2 inches wide and 3 inches long.

They are also typically accompanied by claw marks, which will be approximately 1 inch long.

If you see footprints that are smaller than this or do not have claw marks, then it is likely that you are dealing with a different animal.

Another key identifier is the shape of the footprints.

Fisher cat footprints are typically oval-shaped, with the toes pointing inwards.

If you see footprints that are round or have the toes pointing outwards, then it is not likely that you are dealing with a fisher cat.

Finally, you can look for evidence of scat or fur near the tracks.

Fisher cat scat is typically black and has a strong odor.

If you find this type of scat near the tracks, then there is a good chance that you are dealing with a fisher cat.

Fur from a fisher cat can also be used to identify its presence.

The fur is dark brown or black, with a light-colored undercoat.

Why Do Fisher Cats Always Scream?

Fisher cats are well-known for their screams, which have been described as being “blood-curdling.”

There are several theories about why fisher cats scream.

One theory is that they scream to warn other fishers of danger.

Another theory is that they scream to scare away predators.

A third theory is that they scream to attract mates.

And finally, some people believe that the screams serve no purpose at all and are simply a result of the fisher cat’s vocal cords being specially adapted to make loud noises.

No one knows for sure why fisher cats scream, but the screams likely serve multiple purposes.

Whatever the reason, the screams are unsettling and can be heard from a great distance.

If you’re ever unlucky enough to hear one, you’ll never forget it.

Quick Summary

  • The fisher cat is a shy creature and makes a soft, mewing sound
  • The bobcat is more aggressive and makes a loud, harsh meow or roar
  • The fisher cat is likely to be more agile and faster, while the bobcat may have more strength
  • In the end, it probably depends on the individual animals involved in the fight
  • If you’re looking for an animal that is shy and typically avoids humans, go with the fisher cat
  • If you’re looking for an animal that is more aggressive and may potentially attack humans, go with the bobcat

Bobcat Vs Fisher Cat – Conclusion

In conclusion, if you put these two animals in a fight, the bobcat is likely to be the winner since it’s more powerful but the fisher cat is more agile.

Either way, you don’t want to encounter either of these animals in the wild.