American Marten
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The American Marten (Martes americana) is one of two Martes species (the other is the fisher) native to the United States.
They are a long and slinky northern species, with males reaching around two feet in length.
Martens call the northern boreal and coniferous forests home. Trapping and habit destruction placed heavy stress on Eastern populations, so most of the United States population is found in the West. The Canadian population extends from coast to coast.
Five subspecies are recognized, based primarily on regional characteristics.
- Martes americana ssp. americana (eastern marten)
- Martes americana ssp. actuosa (marten)
- Martes americana ssp. atrata (Newfoundland pine marten)
- Martes americana ssp. origenes (Rocky Mountain marten)
- Martes americana ssp. sierrae (western marten)
Often Martens are nicknamed Pine Martens based on their arboreal lifestyle. While they den and hunt on land, they happily climb trees in search of prey such as small birds and squirrels.
© 2010. Patricia A. Michaels