Usually shy and curious, Pine Martens are also solitary and territorial. They prefer mixed conifer and hardwood forests that supply their prey, dens and protection. They are agile climbers and spend much of their time in trees, where they prey on squirrels.
Martens are omnivores preferring mice, hares, shrews, birds, bird eggs, carrion, fish, amphibians, insects, fruits, and seeds.
An adult Marten averages 21-26 inches from nose to the tip of their tail, their bushy tails comprise about a third of their total length. Their soft dense fur varies in color from pale yellow to dark brown, shading to black on the feet and legs. Lighter-coloured Marten tend to have grayish brown tails, while darker furred animals have dark brown tails. The Marten’s throat and upper chest are usually pale or buff or deep orange.
Neither sex will allow another Marten of the same sex in their home territory, though males will tolerate the presence of multiple females. An average male defends a territory of approximately 1-3 square miles. Females are somewhat less adventurous, inhabiting territories of up to one square mile. An adult Marten will usually cover its entire territory in 8-10 days, hunting as it goes.
Wayne Trapping Pine Marten in Saskatchewan
Pine Marten are case skinned and ready for market