Family: Mustelidae, Weasels view all from this family

Description Weasel-like. Brownish, varying from dark brown to blond, with paler head and underparts, darker legs, orange or buff throat patch. Long, bushy tail; pointed snout; small ears. Male larger than female. L 19 1/4–27" (490–682 mm); T 5 3/8" –9 3/8" (135–240 mm); HF 2 3/4–3 7/8" (70–98 mm); Wt 1–3 1/2 lb (.4–1.6 kg).

Similar Species Much larger Fisher lacks orange throat patch. Mink is darker, has shorter tail white spotting on chin, and lacks orange throat patch.

Breeding Mates in midsummer; implantation delayed for 6–8 months until midwinter, then stimulated by increasing day length. Litter of 2–5 young born mid-March to mid-April in a hollow tree, on the ground, or in an underground den. Blind and naked at birth, the young are weaned at 6 weeks.

Habitat Forests, particularly coniferous, with numerous dead trunks, branches, and leaves that provide cover for rodents, such as its principal food, red-backed voles.

Range Most of Canada; in West, south to n California and through Rocky Mountains; in East, to n New York and n New England.

Discussion The American Marten is active in early morning, late afternoon, at night, and on overcast days, traversing a home range of 5 to 15 square miles (13–39 sq km). In daytime and during inclement weather, it uses a tree hollow, fallen log, rock den, or squirrel’s nest as a resting site. Its small size allows it to use a woodpecker hole in a tree, where it constructs a nest of leaves or grass. An inquisitive animal, it can be coaxed from its den by mouse-like squeaks. The marten spends most of its time foraging on the ground for rodents. Its large feet serve as snowshoes in soft snow. Red-backed voles are the diet staple throughout its range, but the marten also takes other small rodents, especially other voles, Red Squirrels (often captured in winter while they are sleeping in their middens), and flying squirrels, as well as rabbits, reptiles, and birds. Its varied diet also includes carrion, insects, earthworms, eggs, berries, conifer seeds, and honey. The marten sometimes buries surplus meat, though generally it is a poor digger. Martens breed the year after birth or in the second year. The male holds the female by the nape and may drag her around before actual copulation occurs. Females may accept more than one male. Both sexes establish scent posts by dragging the scent glands on their abdomens over logs and branches. Usually martens avoid each other; if two meet, they bare their teeth and snarl. Their repertoire of vocalizations also includes huffs, pants, chuckles, growls, screams, whines, and eeps. The marten has few enemies other than humans. It is easy to trap, and its valuable pelt has led to its extirpation in many areas; in other spots, lumbering has destroyed its habitat and reduced populations. The American Marten is now protected and making a comeback in many localities.