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Community Corner

Fisher and River Otter in Massachusetts: A Tale of Two Weasels

Fisher have become increasingly common in Massachusetts, yet those lucky enough to see one are often puzzled.  Was that some kind of cat?  Actually, the fisher is an agile, tree-climbing member of the weasel family.  They share traits with the river otter, a close relative, which is also far more common than the number of sightings would indicate.  Even if you haven't seen them, chances are that river otter and fisher, the largest members of the weasel family, live as close as the nearest stream, forest and even your own backyard.  

Biologist Trina Moruzzi will explain the basics of river otter and fisher biology and ecology.  She will explain what these often mysterious animals are, where you can find them, what they eat, how they behave, and what signs you might see when they are present.

Trina Moruzzi is a wildlife biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.  She has a B.S. in Wildlife and FIsheries Biology and an M.S. in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She has spent the last 13 years with the Division assisting on a number of different projects from waterfowl banding to black bear capture and radio telemetry, overseeing the deer hunt for paraplegic sportsmen, as well as providing outreach to communities on wildlife related issues.

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If inclement weather should affect this event, there will be a notice posted at www.farnwr.org .

Friends of the Assabet River NWR holds its monthly speaker series at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Eastern Mass. Visitor Center.  Talks are free and open to the public. For more information about our programs, membership and the Refuge, please visit www.farnwr.org  

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Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is 2333 acres and located in the towns of Stow, Maynard, Sudbury and Hudson. The Refuge has 15 miles of hiking trails and 7.5 miles of biking trails. The Visitor Center for the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex has interactive, hands-on educational exhibits, a multi-purpose meeting room, and a Friends Nature Store. 

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