Pacific Coast subspecies of American marten.

Also called: Pacific Marten, Coastal Marten

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 35–50 cm; tail 14–22 cm
Weight400 g – 1.4 kg
LifespanWild 7 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyMustelidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Pacific marten is a species of North American mammal, a member of the family Mustelidae. It is found throughout western North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Pacific marten Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long sleek dark brown mustelid with paler chest patch; bushy tail.

Similar species. American Marten (sister species). Fisher (much larger).

Voice. Snorts; growls; screams.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Squirrels, voles, eggs, birds, occasional fruit.

Behavior. Pacific Coast marten. Important component of old-growth coniferous forest ecosystem. Recently split as distinct species from American Marten.

§ Range

Pacific Coast

§ Habitat

Coastal coniferous forests

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pacific marten is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Pacific Coast forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • USFWS Pacific Region
  • IUCN Red List 2016