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 the northern United States. Their body length is approximately 1.5-2.5 feet, with a five to six-inch bushy tail, weighing one to three pounds; sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with males 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 mostly of small rodents such as voles. They also consume berries, nuts, vegetation, and insects. Except for breeding season, they are solitary. Breeding season is in early summer, but embryonic implantation is delayed until winter, with kits being 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 North American fur trade. As a result, the number of martens was dramatically reduced, but protection and conservation measures have restored most populations. However, they are still subject to overhunting and habitat deforestation. Viewing one of these diurnal creatures in the wild is a true joy.