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Marten
(Martes americana)

Other common names: pine marten

Size:

  • 16 in (41 cm) long.
  • Tail up to 9 in (23 cm) long.
  • Male weighs 2 ¾ lb (1248 g); female slightly smaller.

Distribution in North America:

range map Found in wooded Canada and Alaska; parts of Colorado and New Mexico.

 marten photo by New York Dept of Conservation

marten track
Tracks
Front: 3/4" x 1 1/2"
Hind: 1 1/4" x 2 1/2"
Habitat:
  1. Prefers fir, spruce, hemlock forests in the West.
  2. Prefers cedar swamps in the East.
  3. Lives in areas remote from civilization.
Notes:
  • Smaller than fisher.
  • Larger than mink or weasels.
  • Lives mostly in trees, although may feed on the ground.


Like the fisher, mink and the weasels, the marten has the typical “weasel” shape, that is, long slender body, short legs, small round ears and short, pointed muzzle. They all live primarily on land. They are very efficient predators and will often tackle prey larger than they are.

Be sure to check local regulations for hunting or trapping information on this species.

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