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We normally think of weasels as ground-dwelling animals, but some of them climb trees. Pine martens (Martes americana) are not a large animals, but ounce for ounce, it is one of the most fierce predators in the northwoods. This medium-sized member of the weasel family average 24-inches long, including an 8-inch tail, and weighs about two pounds.

Biologists consider the pine marten to be “semi-arboreal” meaning that they spend part of their lives on the ground and part in the trees. They seem to spend more time in trees than other members of the weasel family, possibly because of their prey choices which include squirrels in addition to mice, voles and hares.

The first time I saw a marten, near a bird feeder, it caught me by surprise. First off, it was on the ground. Second, it was feeding on the black oil sunflower seeds spilled by birds from my feeder. Martens in this area tend to be medium brown with a blonde, almost white face and orange-brown patch on their chests. But they can range in color from a lighter yellow-brown to a chocolate brown. Martens also have surprisingly large ears for their body size, enabling them to listen for the movements of their prey.

Martens are opportunistic feeders with a large diet of both terrestrial and treetop prey. In addition to the red squirrels and other rodents, martens readily consume birds’ eggs, grouse, fruits, evergreen seeds and carrion (dead animals). While some people think of pine martens as predators on those red squirrels that chitter in our evergreen woods, the squirrel only makes up about three percent of the average marten diet. Even though martens are good climbers and can chase squirrels onto narrow branches or headfirst down a tree, squirrels might be too elusive a prey for martens. In one study, researchers determined that martens seem to prefer feeding on the red-backed voles and mice who were on the ground rather than chasing squirrels through the trees.

Martens seem to be curious creatures, coming for a closer look when they hear squeaking noises in the woods. They also seem to prefer mature or “old growth” forests. In areas where forest managers have harvested older trees, marten populations have declined.

While martens and other members of the weasel family are ferocious if disturbed by people or dogs, they would much rather avoid a fight than get into one. If cornered, like any other wild animal, they will use their sharp teeth to defend themselves.

So the next time you are out for a walk, remember to look up into the trees as well as on the ground. You might be rewarded with a look at a look at one of northern Minnesota’s arboreal weasels.

Source: Timberjay - www.timberjay.com