The Elusive Charm of the American Marten
Sleek, agile, and rarely seen, the American marten (Martes americana) is a small carnivore of northern forests. Sometimes called the “pine marten” in North America, it is in the weasel family, which includes fishers, otters, minks, ferrets, wolverines, and badgers. With their quick movements, bushy tails, and curious expressions, martens are both elusive and exciting to encounter. They range across much of Canada and the northern United States. On our photo tours and workshops in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone, and Alaska, most of our sightings and many of our photographs are in winter, when martens are more active in daylight and their dark coats stand out against the snow.
Curious and elusive, this marten meets the camera for a snowy portrait. Photo credit: Jenny Bowlden
Caught between a fierce hunter and a mischievous face, this marten pauses in the snow. Photo credit: Jenny Bowlden
Nine Facts About the American Marten
Not the Same as the European Pine Marten
Though often called “pine martens” in North America, the true pine marten (Martes martes) lives in Europe and Asia. Ours is the American marten (Martes americana).
Masters of the Forest
Martens live in mature coniferous and mixed forests, where dense canopies and fallen logs provide shelter and hunting grounds.
Tree Climbers
Excellent climbers, martens can chase squirrels high into the canopy or escape predators by darting up a trunk.
Diet Versatility
They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on small mammals (especially voles, mice, and squirrels), birds, insects, berries, and carrion.
Small but Fierce
Weighing only 1–3 pounds, martens feed above their size as agile predators in northern ecosystems.
Seasonal Fur
Their silky coats change with the seasons, thicker and paler in winter, sleeker and darker in summer.
Solitary Lifestyle
Martens are mostly solitary, with individuals holding territories marked by scent.
Kits in Summer
Breeding occurs in summer, but like many mustelids, martens delay implantation. Females give birth to 2–4 kits the following spring.
Elusive but Playful
Though hard to spot, martens often appear curious when encountered, sometimes pausing to watch observers, making them a fun subject for photographers.
Where We See Pikas on Our Tours
In Alaska, New England, and the Canadian Rockies, they roam coniferous forests and can sometimes be spotted in snowy landscapes. Yellowstone offers occasional sightings in forested valleys, while in Minnesota’s Sax-Zim Bog, martens are one of the sought-after highlights for winter photographers. Their elusive nature means encounters are never guaranteed, but patience and local knowledge improve the odds.
Tips for Spotting and Photographing Pikas
Look up: Martens are excellent climbers and may appear suddenly on a tree trunk or branch.
Best habitat: Search in mature forests with fallen logs, tree cavities, and dense cover.
Be ready: Their movements are fast and unpredictable, so use a quick shutter speed.
Lens choice: A telephoto lens lets you capture detail without disturbing them.
Composition: Include snow-covered branches, logs, or forest backdrops to show their woodland world.
A snowy tree cavity becomes the perfect perch for this American marten.
American martens are considered secure across most of their range, though local populations can be threatened by logging, habitat fragmentation, and loss of mature forests.
