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Range and Habitat: Found in Alaska, Canada and northern
United States in mixed wooded areas and in heavily forested areas,
preferable coniferous forests.
Habits and Adaptations: Less arboreal than martens; swims
well; likes to travel close to water; climbs trees; solitary,
except during breeding season; grunts, growls, hisses - vicious
fighter; longevity believed to be 8- 10 years. Uses holes or dens
dug by other animals as its den; any kind of opening (e.g., hollow
trees, rocky ledges). For whelping, the selected nest is an elevated
tree cavity. Has been exterminated over most of its range.
Diet: Feeds primarily on small mammals - snowshoe hare,
mice, shrews, red squirrels, chipmunks, with porcupines seeming
to be a favorite (attacks the head and face, wears it out); fruit
and berries, when available; relatively omnivorous.
Breeding and Maturation: May breed at one year; breeding
in late March or early April; gestation is about 352 days, including
delayed implantation; 1-5 young may be born, usually 2-3; female
remates within a week or two after giving birth.
Miscellaneous: Few enemies other than man; fur is valuable
to trappers; is believed never to have been very densely distributed.
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