The marten, Martes americana, has been described as having a savage, sour disposition and as being "Public Enemy No. 1" in the weasel family. It has even been said that he hates everyone, even members of his own family. However, the marten has one trait that does not seem to fit in with such a reputation -- an extreme curiosity in respect to man. This is especially true in our National Parks, where these animals are protected.

During the winter months, the marten is a frequent visitor to the homes of residents in the park. In his search for food, caution seems to be thrown aside, and the marten on many occasions, when the door is left open, enters and takes food. This behavior continues through the winter months, but in the spring and early summer the visits gradually become fewer in number and finally cease as the natural food supply becomes more plentiful.

"Marten, N.P.S. photo."

During the summer of 1956, an exception to this usual procedure occurred. Mrs. Jim Brooks reported that a family of three martens lived under their house near park headquarters. During the daytime they frequently took sun baths on the window sill and showed very little concern about the movements of the Brooks family. The activity at night, however, wasn't exactly appreciated. The martens would run up and down the partitions of the rooms making rather loud noises and disturbing the sleep of the occupants. Apparently they were having a great deal of fun chasing each other up and down the partitions in a type of animal game.

An obstruction placed over their entrance failed to work as one or two martens were usually caught, and the obstruction had to be removed.

The problem was finally solved when the martens left on their own accord. They were scared when workmen, strangers to the marten, arrived to do some painting. Thereafter, they returned only at irregular intervals.