Main Characteristics

American Martens have a body length between 32 and 45 cms (12.6 - 17.7 inches), a tail length between 13 and 23 cms (5.1 - 9 inches) and they weigh between 280 and 1,300 g (9.9 - 45.9 oz).

They have a long, slender build with light brown colouration on their back, dark brown on their legs and tail and greyish/brown on their head. Their chest has a pale coloured patch, they have large eyes, cat-like ears and sharp, curved claws.

Habitat

American Martens can be found in the forests of northern North America.

Diet

American Martens feed on small birds, small mammals, insects, fruit, nuts and carrion.

Breeding

After a period of 192 - 247 days of delayed implantation and a 28 day actual gestation period, American Martens give birth to a litter of 1 - 5 young. They grow quickly and are weaned at 42 days old. Sexual maturity is reach between 15 and 24 months old.

Predators

Predators of American Martens have not been documented, but it is likely they fall prey to larger carnivores, owls and birds of prey.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the American Marten include:

Martes americana abieticola
Martes americana abietinoides
Martes americana actuosa
Martes americana americana
Martes americana atrata
Martes americana caurina
Martes americana humboldtensis
Martes americana kenaiensis
Martes americana nesophila
Martes americana origensis
Martes americana sierrae
Martes americana vancourverensis
Martes americana vulpina

Interesting Facts