American Marten
Discover one of North America’s most agile and elusive forest mammals.
What Is an American Marten?
The American marten (Martes americana) is a small, tree-dwelling mammal found in the forests of North America.
A member of the mustelid family, the American marten is known for its agility, luxurious fur, and importance in forest ecosystems. This species plays a critical role in regulating prey (i.e., small mammal) populations and dispersing seeds, making it a vital contributor to the health of North America's forests.
Identifying Features and Marten Size
The American marten is slender and cat-like in appearance, with a pointed face, bushy tail, and cat-like ears. Their soft fur ranges from golden brown to nearly black, with a distinct pale yellow or orange “bib” on the throat and chest..
Adults typically weigh between 0.45 and 1.4 kg (1 and 3 pounds) and measure 48 to 69 cm (19 to 27 inches) from nose to tail. Their lightweight frame enables them to move across deep snow, a crucial advantage in northern habitats.
When comparing types of marten, the American marten is similar in size to the Pacific marten (Martes caurina) and slightly smaller than the European pine marten (Martes martes). These subtle differences in marten size are most observable through close study or genetic analysis.
Habitat and Behaviour
The American marten thrives in mature coniferous and mixed forests. The species can be found across Canada and Alaska, as well as in parts of the northern United States.
American martens are solitary and territorial, relying on downed logs, tree cavities, and dense ground cover for shelter and hunting. As omnivores, they feed on small mammals such as voles and squirrels, as well as birds, berries, insects, and carrion. Their versatile diet shifts seasonally, allowing them to adapt to changing resources.
Conservation and Recovery
IUCN status: Least Concern (LC)
While currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, American marten populations face localized threats from habitat loss, logging, and a legacy of over-trapping.
Conservation programs have reintroduced martens to regions where they once lived, such as parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Long-term efforts focus on preserving mature forests, monitoring populations through tracking and camera studies, and maintaining habitat connectivity across the landscape.
Fast Facts About the American Marten
The American marten is sometimes called the 'American pine marten' or 'American sable,' stemming back to the fur trade.
Their feet act like natural snowshoes, giving them an edge over other predators in deep snow.
They use zig-zag leaps to travel across snowy ground and can leap between trees as easily as a squirrel.
Their winter diet often includes cached food and small rodents tunnelled beneath the snow.
Of all types of marten, the American marten is especially vocal, producing chirps, chatters, and occasional screams during the mating season.