Field Guide/Mammals/American Marten
< Field Guide | Mammals
| Martes Americana (American Marten) | |
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Family: Mustelidae[1]
Size: Total Length: 24 to 30 inches; Weight: 2 pounds.
[2]
Description: The American Marten is a weasel that is small in size with golden brown fur and a yellow chest. They are long animals with small, cat-like ears.[2]
Similar Species: The American Marten is a type of weasel that is very often mistaken by the Pine Marten.
Range: They are found in the northern reaches of North America.
Habitat: Mature, Northern forests. They den in hollow trees, crevices, or vacant ground burrows.
[3]
Diet: Their diet consists of small mammals, including squirrels and rodents. Occasionally birds, fruit, nuts, insects, and carrion are eaten as well.[3]
Activity: They are arboreal (tree dwelling) and are nocturnal. Seen before in male/female pairs as well as with young. Most hunting occurs at dusk and dawn, when prey species are most active.[3]
Reproduction: Martens are pregnant 8-9 months, but the fetus only develops during the last two months. The litter of two or three babies are called kits and are usually born in a hollow log or under bushes.[3]
Lifespan: approximately 17 years.[3]
Notes: Marten distribution and demographic rates are affected by the loss of closed-canopy forest due to logging. Martens are still legally trapped for their fur in most of the western states.[1]
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- ↑ a b
Reid, F.; Helgen, K. (2008), Martes Americana, retrieved (October 7, 2012)
{{citation}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ↑ a b
Berg, Bill (2001), "Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine", American Marten (Martes Americana), no. january–february, retrieved (October 7, 2012)
{{citation}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ↑ a b c d e
Ellis, Eric, J. (1999), Martes Americana (on-line), retrieved (October 7, 2012)
{{citation}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help)