American Marten
 

The American Marten (Martes americana), also known as the Pine Marten is a member of the weasel family.  It has a dark coat with a light orange color under the belly.  The males of this species are around 2 feet long, not including the 8 inch tail, and weigh about 1.5 pounds.  The females are 10-20 percent smaller than the males and only weigh half as much as the males.  The American Marten also has semi-retractable, cat-like claws, which aide in their arboreal lifestyle.

Lifestyle:
This species is considered arboreal, but does spend a good amount of time on the ground.  This species of marten can move in trees for hundreds of yards without dropping to the ground.  The American Marten is also an excellent swimmer.  This species is solitary, except during breeding season, and nocturnal.  The American Marten is also very curious, which many humans confuse with tameness.

Habitat:
This species prefers coniferous forests in the northern and
western parts of North America.

Diet:
This species is a truly carnivorous  with a voracious appetite.
The diet includes pine squirrels, nestling birds, voles, mice
and snowshoe hares.

Reproduction:
Breeding occurs in July and August.  This species uses delayed implantation, so the embryos, don't implant until early spring.  In April, 1-5 young are born.  The gestation period is one month.  The young are born blind and nearly naked, but develop quickly.  The young are weaned at about 2 months of age.  Sexual maturity in this species occurs at about 3 years of age.  The lifespan in the wild is estimated at 6-8 years.

Status in Wild:
This species has declined in North America due to over trapping and habitat destruction.