Martes americana
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Other Names: American marten, pussy marten, pine marten, American
sable.
Status: Valuable fur animal. Lives in areas remote from
civilization. Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by
regulated fur harvest seasons.
Identifying Characteristics: This house cat-sized animal is distinctly
weasel-like in appearance. Has short legs, prominent ears, pointed face,
and well-furred tail constituting one-third of its total length. Stiff
glossy guard hairs with dense silky underfur. The soft, dense,
yellowish-brown fur shades to dark brown on its bushy tail and legs. Pale
buff to orange patch on throat and breast. Has ability to rotate hind
limbs to enable descending trees head first. Total length: 21 to 26
inches. Weight: 1.5 to 2.75 pounds.
Habitat: Primarily a boreal animal preferring conifer or mixed wood
forests. Uses deadfall and snags as den sites.
Food Habits: Eats a variety of animal and plant materials associated
with the mature forest. Is an opportunistic feeder that primarily feeds on
a variety of small mammals.
Life History: Spends most of its time in the trees and is primarily
nocturnal. Dens in hollow logs
and trees. Mates during summer with
young born during April. Exhibits delayed implantation and 8 to 9 month
gestation. Average litter is 2 to 4.
Similar Species: Mink - has white patch on chin. Fisher -
larger, dark brown, grizzled head and back. Red fox - white tip on tail.
Further Information
