Letter To The Editor – On Behalf Of Animals In Their Natural Habitat

Dear Editor: (submitted August 22)
I am responding to the letter from Mr. Bob Rubin, who expressed concern over Fishers (martes pennanti) as a threat to domestic cats and dogs (Eastwick Press August 20 issue). I am sorry for the loss of his cat. We, too, are cat lovers and have concerns about their interactions with other creatures. Fishers have been native to North America for the last 125,000 years. Prior to the European settlement of North America, they extended to the southern Appalachians in the east, in the Great Lakes region, the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest as well as across southern Canada. Extensive trapping and habitat destruction brought them to the brink of extinction. The few survivors have been able to re-colonize in the east, though reintroductions have been necessary in the west. However, they are still absent from large portions of their native range. Fishers primarily reside in forests and have extensive ranges. They are uniquely adapted to preying on porcupine but prefer snowshoe hare.
Fishers have been reputed to prey on domestic cats. However, I think more serious threats to domestic cats are domestic dogs, automobiles, people, poisonous substances (e.g., pesticides, oil), coyotes, bobcats and owls. On the latter, I have spoken with researchers who have found cat collars in owl nests. Another threat to cats is other cats that may carry numerous diseases including feline leukemia. Our cats have been chased by dogs and had violent encounters with feral cats.
Cats can cause extensive loss to bird and small mammal populations within their range. Keeping a cat inside is probably best not only for the safety of the cat but the populations of birds, many of which are declining due to habitat loss, use of pesticides and other factors. Native species are not adapted to the hunting strategies of cats, which are also fed at home, so that their populations are not limited by food resources.
While it is sad to lose a pet, living in rural areas requires that one accept the many species that were here long before humans, and which provide beauty and balance to the natural world.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Batcher
Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, Buskirk