Family: Mustelidae, Weasels view all from this family

Description Large, dark-colored, stocky weasel. Bigger and darker than American Marten. Face, neck and shoulders sometimes marked with hoary gold or silver-colored guard hairs. Deep brown coat lightens over summer, darkens in fall molt, and may appear reddish in spring. Throat and chest are marked with white or cream patches of varying size and shape. Females are smaller, with finer and glossier fur.

Dimensions 90-120cm, 37-41cm, 3.5-5.5kg; / 75-95cm, 31-36cm, 2.0-2.5kg

Similar Species Bigger and darker than American Marten.

Habitat Forests & woodlands, Alpine & subalpine habitats

Range Plains, Great Lakes, New England, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, California, Northwest, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, Alaska

Discussion Arboreal and terrestrial predator of small and medium-sized animals. Regularly preys on Porcupines with fast frontal attacks; also eats fruits and nuts. Increasing in the east, declining in the west. Hunts in a variety of forest types.