The American Pine Marten (Martes americana), also called the American Marten, or the Pine Marten, is a slightly smaller version of a Eurasian species (Martes martes) that is also called the Pine Marten. It is increasingly thought that American Pine Martens found in western North America should be considered a separate species, even though they are essentially visually indistinguishable. American Pine Martens are highly variable, with about 14 different subspecies. They range from Alaska to Newfoundland and Labrador, and south in the west to California, and in the east down into New England and upstate New York. They are found in boreal and montane forests, and are well adapted to snow.  They weigh from about half a kilogram to nearly one and a half kilograms, or from about one to three pounds. They can travel quickly through the forest canopy, from branch to branch, but will also come to the ground. While the first wild one I ever saw was in snowy conditions in central Ontario, I did see one on the ground in Quebec, that paused briefly, giving me the idea for this painting.