Field Guide/Mammals/American Marten

American Marten Martes Americana Marten with Flowers.jpg American Marten American Marten (Martes Americana) MustelidaeReid F. Helgen K. 2008 Martes Americana http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41648/0 (October 7, 2012) Total Length: 24 to 30 inches; Weight: 2 pounds. Berg Bill 2001 Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine American Marten (Martes Americana) january- february http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/americanmarten.html (October 7, 2012) The American Marten is a weasel that is small in size with golden brown fur and a yellow chest. They are long animals with small, cat-like ears. The American Marten is a type of weasel that is very often mistaken by the Pine Marten. They are found in the northern reaches of North America. Mature, Northern forests. They den in hollow trees, crevices, or vacant ground burrows. Ellis Eric, J. 1999 Martes Americana (on-line) http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Martes_americana/ (October 7, 2012) Their diet consists of small mammals, including squirrels and rodents. Occasionally birds, fruit, nuts, insects, and carrion are eaten as well. They are arboreal (tree dwelling) and are nocturnal. Seen before in male/female pairs as well as with young. Most hunting occurs at dusk and dawn, when prey species are most active. Martens are pregnant 8-9 months, but the fetus only develops during the last two months. The litter of two or three babies are called kits and are usually born in a hollow log or under bushes. approximately 17 years. Marten distribution and demographic rates are affected by the loss of closed-canopy forest due to logging. Martens are still legally trapped for their fur in most of the western states.