American marten found in the La Sals

An American marten has been spotted in the La Sal Mountains, answering a question that has been asked for many years.

The range of the elusive animal has generally been thought to be north of the area, in the northern Rocky Mountains.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reported last week, “One of our biologists has made an incredible finding! Trail cameras set high in the La Sal mountains near Moab have captured the first credible documentation of an American marten seen in that area.

Since the 1920s, biologists have speculated if the range of these animals extended into the La Sals. Now we have evidence that they do!

American martens are members of the weasel family, typically preying on squirrels and rodents. They can be found in mature northern forests in other areas of the state, but due to geographical isolation of the La Sal Mountains, it’s a pleasant surprise to discover at least a few of these remarkable creatures living in southeastern Utah.

Since the announcement, a number of local residents reported that they have spotted the small weasels in the area.

 

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