Skip to contentSkip to navigation
American martenAmerican marten

Mammal

Martes americana

The American marten is cousin to the ferret!
American marten
Small round head
Longue queue touffue
Short legs
Elongated body
Small rounded ears
Cartes de faits
Threats
A prized coat
American marten
View on back
Threats
I am often hunted for my fur and am sometimes called the canadian sable. But that would be a mistake as the sable is the name of my Russian cousin. It seems that in the family, it is she who has the silkiest fur.
Physical capacities
A fast and very agile animal
American marten
View on back
Physical capacities
I'm very curious, agile and I climb trees effortlessly with my semi-retractable claws. During the winter season, my rather wide paws allow me to move easily in the snow. I can even hunt under the snow using the tunnels dug by the red squirrel.
Reproduction
A solitary soul
American marten
View on back
Reproduction
Indeed I am a solitary animal, except during the rutting season and when raising my young.
American marten
The importance of predators in the food chain

Despite their bad reputation, predators are extremely important links in the food chain. The American marten, despite its small stature, is a formidable predator.

American marten
Come visit the American martens!
Contribute to the cause
Thanks to your contributions, the Ecomuseum Zoo can continue its objectives of excellence in animal welfare.
Contribute to the cause
Our educational program
The Ecomuseum Zoo raises awareness among more than 35,000 children each year through its educational programs, encouraging environmental protection.
Know more
Our conservation initiatives
Since its inception, the Ecomuseum Zoo has been working on the conservation of species and their habitats in Quebec, protecting threatened and vulnerable species.
Know more
Don't miss a beat from the Zoo
Subscribe to the newsletter
deer

The Ecomuseum Zoo would like to obtain your consent to use cookies or an equivalent technology on its website. By accepting, you allow the Ecomuseum Zoo and its partners to use cookies, which could contain some personal information, in order to optimize your browsing experience and for promotional purposes.
To learn more, including the security of your personal information, please see our confidentiality policy. By continuing to browse the website, you accept the above conditions.