Pine Marten (aka American Marten)

Any of you ever seen one of these guys, or better yet, get a shot of one? I was up in Indian Peaks this morning and one ran out on the trail in front of me, glanced around, and then took off. Needless to say, the cute little critter made an impression on me. Mostly because, in more than 25 years of hiking in Colorado, that's the first one I've ever seen.

I'd love to see shots if you've got 'em

By the way, conditions are wonderful up there right now. Flowers aren't too impressive, but there's still good snow cover up high and the streams are flowing beautifully.

I've been hiking around the Colorado area for some time as well and have only seen them around the Cataract Lakes area behind Geen Mountain Res. a couple of times. Nowhere else, though I occationally run across smaller, but similar looking versions, that are weasels. Without looking it up to verify, I think pine martins are primarily nocturnal which may account for the rare sightings.

I see one now and then here in Colo Springs, but the moments are very fleeting and I never have a camera at the ready. Be Vewy Vewy Qwiet I'm Hunting Pwine Mawtins!

I ran across one of those critters in the Colter Bay campground at Grand Tetons. It played around in a tree for quite some time. Unfortunately, the tree was between me and my camera that I had safely tucked away in the tent. It was an experience that I will probably never forget, even to teh "V" notch in one of the ears.

Saw one run out in front of my car as I drove up Marshall Pass. They don't give you much chance to shoot 'em, do they?

I watched one for a little bit in a dark forest on the west side of RMNP last year. I didn't manage to get any decent photos though as it was too dark to handhold.

We had a cabin on Grand Mesa for 30 years, and during that period,
we looked forward to the annual crop of new little ones. Between Alexander
and Baron lake, they were very visible most of the summer and fall. Their nesting
took a big toll on the chipmunks and squirrels.


Art Lund

hmm, sounds like they're more common than I had thought. Guess from now on I'll keep a big eye out for them.

I have not seen one of these. Would love to get a shot of one, though.

Until recently I lived 30 miles east of Meeker where I had a Pine Marten come to my bird feeders a couple of times. I was able to get a few photos from my kitchen window, I would attach a copy but this is my first post and I am not sure how to attach it to this reply or if that is even an option. Most of the martens I've seen are in poor light, moving fast and I seldom get a decent photo.
Dona Hilkey
Meeker, CO

I've never seen one in Colorado, but I have seen them in B.C. Would love to see one here in Colorado!