The American marten (Martes americana) is a North American member of the Mustelidae family, sometimes referred to as the Pine Marten. The name "pine marten" is derived from the common but distinct Eurasian species of Martes. It differs from the fisher (Martes pennanti) in that it is smaller in size. The American Marten has a long slender body covered in glossy brownish fur with a lighter coloured throat, a long bushy tail and a pointed snout. Like those of cats, its claws are semi-retractable, and aid it in climbing trees. It also has very large foot pads in relation to body weight allowing it to walk on hard snow.
Ten Facts about American Marten
- The American Marten (Martes Americana) is a small member of the weasels, and they are also known as "pine" martens, because they are similar in some ways with their European cousins.
- The female is approximately 3/4 that of the male's.
- They are active during nighttime.
- Fact is, they are very good climbers, and they could chase a squirrel in a vertical race (up the tree).
- They are mainly carnivorous, but there are periods in a year when they would subsist on fruits.
- They hunt mainly on ground level. Their metabolism is high, and because of that, they need much food, and this need to eat is one reason why many of them get trapped.
- They reach sexual maturity when they are 2 years old, and during the breeding period (July up to Aug), they can exhibit a great deal of aggressiveness, even against other male martens. Litter size is 2 to 4 offsprings. A male plays no part at all in the rearing of these newborns.
- The American marten, american pine marten is listed as Least Concern, lowest risk.
- American Marten having weight at birth is 0.03 kg (0.066 lbs) & Weight at weaning 0.392 kg (0.8624 lbs).
- A American marten group is called a 'richness'.
