Nature Notes From Crater Lake
Volume 13, October 1947
Pacific Marten
By O. L. Wallis, Ranger-Naturalist
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:
| Total length: |
443 mm |
| Tail length: |
182 mm |
| Hind foot: |
80 mm |
| Ear pinna: |
37 mm |
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.
