Martens are medium-sized predatory animals with a sharp muzzle and beautiful fur. By now, zoologists have managed to study quite well the representatives of many species of this family, having learned about their lifestyle, diet and habits.
Martens - what are they?
There are several types of martens - American, ilka (or pecan), forest, stone, simple and Japanese sable, as well as common and Nilgir harza. Regardless of the place of resettlement of representatives of a particular species, there is a lot in common in their way of life. According to scientists, based on the results of many years of observations, sometimes martens can be dangerous to humans. In particular, cases are known when children suffered from the bite of these cute animals, secretly from adults sticking their fingers into a cage during a visit to the zoo.
Ilka, or fishing marten
The Ilka, which is found in the North American forest thickets, also known as the angler marten or pecan, contrary to its name, feeds on fish as an exception. According to the researchers, the animals could get their name as a result of borrowing the word fichet from the French language, which means “ferret” in translation. Representatives of this species usually feed on woody porcupines, mice, squirrels, white hares and birds. Eat elk and shrews. From time to time you can see how martens feast on berries and various fruits, in particular, apples.
North American martens
American martens, like ilk, are the only predators of their size that can hunt with ease both in burrows and in trees. However, American martens are still relatively poorly studied, as they are distinguished by great caution and a nocturnal lifestyle. Scientists are still only inclined to assume that their diet and habits may be similar to those of other marten species.
What do stone martens eat?
The stone marten (its other name is also known - white-haired) is found on the territory of Europe, and is not afraid, unlike representatives of other species of weasel, to live near settlements, periodically even looking into the houses of local residents. The stone marten got its name due to the fact that it is found even in the rocky landscape. Representatives of this species feed primarily on meat, hunting both small mammals (mice, rats, rabbits) and birds. Do not disdain white-haired women and frogs and insects. In the summer, they willingly eat fruits and berries. It is noted that often stone martens commit robbery on poultry and pigeons. Chickens, starting to rush around the hen house in panic, instantly awaken a predatory reflex in martens. As a result, they can kill many more birds than they can eat.
Diet of pine martens
Forest martens (yellow martens), living in a number of regions of Europe and in the west of some Asian countries, as you can easily guess from their name, prefer to live in forests, carefully avoiding possible encounters with people. Representatives of this species, like many other martens, are almost omnivorous. Their favorite food is small rodents, including squirrels, and bird eggs. With pleasure, according to zoologists, the yellow-suckers also eat frogs with snails, and in the fall they habitually feast on wild berries and nuts, and they are able to accumulate reserves for the winter.
Who the sable hunts for
Sable, which can be found in the Siberian taiga, in addition to food traditional for all martens, hunts hazel grouse and wood grouse. However, most of its diet consists of pikas (senostavki) and squirrels - sables annually exterminate about several million of these forest animals in this way.
