MARTEN
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Species: Chordata Mammalia Carnivora Mustelidae Martes pennanti

Martens belong to the Badger and Weasel family. Approximately 10 different species of marten are found in Europe, Asia, and North America, and range in length from 16 to 14 inches (40 to 100 cm). They are excellent climbers, and can leap from tree branch to tree branch using their tails as a parachute and maneuvering tool. Nocturnal in nature, they are solitary animals.

The pine marten and the beech marten are European breeds who hunt squirrels and other rodents, rabbits, and birds. They will also eat insects and fruit. The most popular known American marten is the pine marten or the American sable. They live in the northern Rockies and in the far north, from Quebec to Alaska. The fisher is the species related to the pine marten. A male fisher weighs about 15 lbs (7 kg).

Mating season is in July to August and young are born in April. The young produced are usually 3 to 4 in numbers, but have been known to produce as many as 7. They are usually reared in grass nests among rocks in hollow trees, or in crow or squirrel nests.