Will a fisher cat attack skunk?

While a fisher cat (also known as a fisher) might *encounter* a skunk, they are unlikely to attack them directly. Here's why:

* Skunks are well-defended: Skunks are notorious for their pungent spray, which can be extremely unpleasant and even harmful to predators. Fisher cats, despite their predatory nature, are not immune to this deterrent.

* Fisher cats are opportunistic: They primarily prey on rodents, rabbits, birds, and sometimes small mammals. While they are powerful hunters, they tend to avoid confrontations that could result in injury or discomfort from a skunk's spray.

* Diet overlap: Both fisher cats and skunks share some dietary preferences, meaning they might compete for food resources, but they usually avoid direct conflict.

Instead of attacking, a fisher cat is more likely to:

* Avoid the skunk: They'll likely sense the skunk's presence and stay away.

* Scavenge a dead skunk: They might take advantage of a carcass if a skunk has been killed by another predator or by a car.

Important note: While fisher cats are generally not known for attacking skunks, every animal is an individual with its own personality and instincts. There might be rare instances where a fisher cat might attack a skunk, especially if it feels threatened or cornered. However, this is not common behavior.