American Martens

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Photo source:
Nature and Wildlife from Alaska-Adirondacks © 1983-2000
Ed Sharp Photodraphy logo

American Martens are small animals from the weasel family. It is believed that Martens appeared in Northern America about 60,000 years ago. They were well distributed across the territory of the modern United States and Canada until colonization when extensive trapping diminished their populations.

American Martens - Subspecies

The currently accepted scientific name of the American Marten is Martes Americana. This carnivores species has five subspecies, namely: the Eastern Marten - Martes Americana ssp. Americana the Marten - Martes Americana ssp. actuosa the Newfoundland Pine Marten - Martes Americana ssp. atrata the Rocky Mountain Marten - Martes Americana ssp. origenes the Western Marten - Martes Americana ssp. sierrae

American Martens - Description

The American Marten is a furred weasel with a long body and short legs. Its slender appearance suggests a great extent of agility and curiosity. Small, cat-like ears are set on a small pointed head. The eyes are usually dark in color. The tail that is about 1/3 of the total length of the species is bushy. The fur is thick and soft in texture ranging from pale buff, yellow, and reddish to dark brown.

Like with other weasels the size between sexes varies some. Thus, an adult male usually weighs from about 1.6 to 2.8 pounds. The total length averages 20-25 inches. The corresponding figures for a female are 1.5-1.8 pounds and 18-22 inches.

American Martens - Habitat and Distribution

Photo source:
Newfoundland Marten © 2003
Newfoundland Marten Education Committee

American Martens cover the territory with conifer forests preferably with cedar and balsam fir. They also feel comfortable in forests with hemlock. Martens are thought to be the indicators of the maturity of the forest and are an important aspect in managing forestry activity.

Their density is in direct dependence on habitat range and prey availability. American Martens are spread throughout the northern parts of the United States and Canada. Some states and provinces have experienced shortages of American Marten population and have to take measures to preserve the species in the area. Other areas are managed by the means of controlled trapping.

American Martens travel long distances in search of prey and suitable habitat. It is estimated that males have a greater home range compared to that of females. Thus, a male may cover the territory of 5-10 square miles. A female's home range is about 1-5 square miles. American Martens are known to be the proprietors of the same territory for a week or more. When the amount of food found in this area is close to its limits, American Martens move to find a better residence.

American Martens - Diet

American Martens are carnivores that make extensive use of mice and other small rodents. Actually, small mammals such as the red squirrel, the hare, the shrew, and others are the main source of food for the species. They will surely enjoy such prey as the Coyote, Lynx, or the Great Owl. Yet, their liking for a substantial meal is evident in the fact that they feed on most any food that comes into sight. In fact, American Martens hunt birds and their eggs, amphibians, insects, fish, and carrion. They have also been seen eating fruits and berries.

An abundance of foods allows them hide it for later use. It is interesting to know that American Martens have a high metabolism and do not store fat. They should constantly replenish their energy even in winter since they do not hibernate like some other mammals. In winter, when the shortage of food is most severe, Martens have to search for prey under the snow. Mice are the most common constituents of their ration on cold days. As a rule, American Martens jump quickly on their prey and bite it on the back leaving no chance for escape.