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Martes americana (Turton, 1806)
American Marten
Family: Mustelidae
Introduction to the Mammals of BC

Photograph

© Douglas Leighton     (Photo ID #108004)

Map

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Distribution of Martes americana in British Columbia.
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Source: Map courtesy of the Province of British Columbia (2008).

Species Information


The American Marten is member of the Mustelidae, a family of carnivorous mammals that includes mink, fishers and weasels. Taxonomic work has shown that there are two species of martens in BC which hybridize in the central part of the province: the American Marten in eastern and northern BC and the Pacific Marten in coastal BC, with hybrids in between (Nagorsen 2021 pers. comm.map).

Status Information

Scientific NameOrigin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
Martes americanaNativeS5?YellowNot Listed
Martes caurinaNativeS5?YellowNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Species References

Hatler, David F., David W. Nagorsen and Alison M. Beal. 2008. Carnivores of British Columbia. Royal BC Museum Handbook. Victoria.

General References

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