Salem, Or. –  A new agreement has been reached to better protect the Pacific Fisher. It is a cat sized weasel that lives in  SW Oregon forests. Its population has declined due to habitat removal and trapping. It is considered rare and is a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The agreement is between the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department. It calls for monitoring and research and protecting the animal’s dens. Jason  Cox with ODF says ” we see this as a proactive measure ahead of a possible listing to go ahead and start taking measures that will hopefully maintain and enhance this species’ range here in Oregon.”