It has been reported that red squirrels are a major food source for marten. This does not seem to be the case in Alaska. In fact, the two seem to get along quite well. Marten commonly use red squirrel middens as resting places. Although marten are suited for nocturnal foraging, they are occasionally seen during the day just before stormy weather or immediately following a fresh snowfall.
Marten are widespread and abundant in Alaska.
Overtrapping is not a management problem in most areas. Season lengths are set to reduce the opportunity for overexploitation. Contrary to popular belief, wildfires can produce good habitat for marten by enhancing habitat for small rodents and providing log debris for cover and denning. A trapper may take from 100 to 400 marten per season, but most average 20 to 30. All Rights Reserved .