Pine martens are members of the weasel family. Once common in North American forests, these small mammals were hunted and trapped by colonists until their populations declined drastically. Pine martens are listed as threatened in some areas.
Identification
Small, pale buff, golden brown or reddish brown weasel-like mammal with yellowish chest, about 24 to 30 inches including the tail, weighing about 0.907kg. Males are a little larger than females. Unlike other weasels, pine martens are excellent climbers and will chase tree-climbing prey.
Habitat
Pine marten habitat includes lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, spruce, and mixed hardwood forests. Destruction of forest habitat greatly reduced former populations.
Distribution
Distribution of American pine marten is restricted to North America. Small populations inhabit parts of New York state, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine and Wisconsin.
Food
Pine martens are omnivorous (eating plants and meat) and prefer mice, red squirrels, chipmunks, birds and eggs, and other small animals. They also eat berries, nuts and carrion.
Reproduction
Pine martens nest on the ground, in hollow logs or brushy undergrowth. Although females may be pregnant for nine months, 2 to 4 kits develop only in the two months before birth.