American martens, agile members of the weasel family, were once common across Pennsylvania’s forested landscapes. However, these creatures are no longer found in the wild within the state.
The Current Status of Martens in Pennsylvania
American martens are considered extirpated from Pennsylvania, meaning they are no longer found in the wild within the state. The last known wild populations disappeared by the 1920s. Any recent occurrences or sightings are thought to be from dispersing martens traveling from neighboring New York. The only confirmed American martens currently residing in Pennsylvania are those housed at ZooAmerica in Hershey.
Historical Presence and Decline
Martens were once an integral part of Pennsylvania’s forest ecosystem, with prehistoric records indicating their presence as far south as North Carolina and Tennessee. Within Pennsylvania, historical accounts suggest higher densities in the northern counties, including Warren, McKean, Potter, Forest, Elk, Cameron, and Clinton. Their decline was due to widespread deforestation during the 18th and 19th centuries, coupled with unregulated harvesting practices. These factors led to their disappearance from Pennsylvania by the early 20th century.
Identifying Martens and Similar Pennsylvania Species
American martens are slender-bodied mammals measuring between 19 and 27 inches from nose to tail tip, weighing 1 to 3 pounds. They have long, silky fur ranging from pale yellowish-buff to tawny brown or almost black, with a yellowish-orange bib on their throat and chest. Their heads are usually lighter, and their legs and bushy tails are darker. Martens possess relatively large, rounded ears and sharp, semi-retractile claws, making them agile climbers.
These characteristics distinguish them from other mustelids found in Pennsylvania. Fishers, for example, are significantly larger, weighing 4.5 to 12 pounds, and have a darker brown, sometimes almost black, coat without the prominent throat patch. Their ears are also smaller in proportion to their heads. Mink are similar in size to martens but have solid dark brown fur, sometimes with a small pale area on the chin or scattered white spots on their underside, and their tails are less bushy. Weasels, such as the long-tailed weasel, are considerably smaller and more elongated than martens, and their fur lacks the distinct throat patch.
Reintroduction Initiatives
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is exploring reintroducing American martens to the state. A feasibility assessment completed in 2022 indicated suitable habitat exists within Pennsylvania’s historic range, with little negative impact on other species. This assessment found that reforestation efforts have created favorable conditions for martens. Following this, the PGC developed a reintroduction and management plan, which underwent public review and comment periods.
Despite public support, plans to reintroduce martens were tabled by the PGC Board of Commissioners in January 2024, and again in April 2024. The decision to postpone, rather than cancel, was made to allow for further public education and to address concerns, particularly among hunters, regarding potential impacts on prey species and habitat suitability. The PGC commissioners expressed that the plan might be revisited in the near future.