A Pacific Marten or American Sable, Martes caurina caurina (Merriam), was discovered killed by an auto on the North Entrance highway, one mile south of the Pumice Desert, on July 31 by Seasonal Ranger George Swan. Because of its agility and swiftness it is seldom that one of this beautiful species is reported to be killed by a motor vehicle.

The specimen was made into a study skin. It is dark yellowish brown in color with darker tail and feet and with a yellow-orange throat and chest patch. Although it was a female, the marten was not pregnant nor was it lactating. The measurements of this female were:

Pacific martens range in distribution from southern British Columbia to northern California. They are primarily forest dwellers and are expert tree climbers. The high value of its fur makes the marten one of the most valuable furbearers of Oregon, where it is now being protected. Within the Crater Lake National Park, the marten is protected with all other forms of wildlife. Park Naturalist George C. Ruhle, who has worked or made studies in many National Parks, avers that he believes that this is the best park of all for study and observation of these attractive members of the Weasel Family.