Ongoing Fisher Research in Southern Oregon Now Includes Trapping and Collaring Bobcats

State wildlife researchers are studying the Pacific fisher and its interactions with other carnivores to inform conservation strategies.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) continues to research the Pacific fisher, a cat-sized carnivore, in the Ashland watershed and surrounding areas of Southern Oregon. In addition to ongoing non-invasive hair snare surveys, ODFW has started trapping and collaring bobcats to better understand how the two species interact and how that may impact fisher recovery efforts.

Why it matters

The Pacific fisher was once widespread in the Cascade Range and Klamath-Siskiyou region but now persists as a reduced, isolated population. Tracking the fisher's interactions with other carnivores like bobcats and cougars can help researchers understand what is limiting the fisher's recovery and inform land management decisions to support the species' return to its historic range.

The details

ODFW researchers have collared at least 40 Pacific fishers since late 2022, revealing the species' large home ranges of up to 100 square kilometers for a male. They have also started trapping and collaring bobcats, a potential predator of the fisher, to study how the two species use habitat and interact. The researchers follow best practices for trapping to minimize stress on the animals. ODFW is also considering collaring cougars due to evidence of a robust cougar population in the region.

  • In late 2022, ODFW started trapping and collaring Pacific fishers.
  • In late 2023, ODFW expanded the study to include trapping and collaring gray foxes.
  • In late 2025, ODFW started trapping and collaring bobcats.

The players

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW)

The state wildlife agency conducting research on the Pacific fisher and other carnivores in Southern Oregon.

Keifer Titus

The lead of ODFW's Western Oregon research team.

Chris Chambers

The Ashland Fire & Rescue Forestry Officer who works with the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project.

Marty Main

A Southern Oregon forester for 30 years who helped conserve wildlife in the Ashland woods.

Pam Marsh

An Oregon state representative from Ashland who helped bring a Pacific fisher sculpture to the Ashland watershed.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.