The American Pine Marten, Martes americana, is a member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) that resides in coniferous and mixed deciduous forests in Canada, Alaska and northern United States. Body length is approximately 1.5-2.5 feet with a 5–6-inch bushy tail. Weight is 1-3 pounds; sexual dimorphism is pronounced with male’s 15 percent larger than females. Coloration ranges from brown to dark brown with a colorful yellow-orange neck band.

Pine martens are omnivorous with a diet consisting of mostly small rodents such as voles. They also consume berries, nuts, vegetation and insects. Except during breeding season, they are solitary. Breeding season is early summer but embryonic implantation is delayed until winter with kits born in March or April. Females have a den for birthing, raising kits and caring for their young. Weaning occurs at approximately 40 days, and young kits begin exploring outside the dens at approximately two months of age.

Pine marten fur is similar in texture to sable and was actively hunted during the fur trade. Numbers of martens were dramatically reduced but protection and conservation measures have restored most populations. They are still subject to over hunting and habitat deforestation. Viewing one of these diurnal creatures in the wild is a true joy.