How to Draw an American Marten

In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw an American Marten in 8 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.

The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.

Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.

At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the American Marten.

Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.

How to Draw an American Marten - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Start by drawing the head. It is like a round triangle with a straight line across the top with two round points at the ends to make the ears. Draw the two side lines down to make a rounded tip. This is the snout.

Step 2: Draw two rounded lines on each of the ears. At the tip of the snout draw a circle to make the nose. Above the nose draw two small oval shaped eyes.

Step 3: From the right side of the ear draw the top of the body line back and curve it down to the right. Under the snout draw a short line angled down to the right.

Step 4: Continue the right body line down into a long looped tail.

Step 5: At the top of the tail line draw the curved line to the right to make the belly. Under the belly line draw the hind leg. It is up close against the body. Draw a very long thin oval under the belly line.

Step 6: Starting at the end of the bottom body line draw the front legs. Draw a short curved line. At the end of the line draw three sharp claws. Draw two more curved lines. At the end of those lines draw another three sharp claws.

Step 7: Next draw the beard. There are short lines along the bottom of the snout.

Step 8: Lastly, draw the fur patterns. There are short curved lines along the body, tail and face.

Interesting Facts about the AMERICAN MARTEN

The American Marten is a member of the mammal group and the scientific term for them is Martes americana. Other common names for this species are the American Pine Marten and Pine Marten. It is a long and slender weasel about the size of the Mink. Their silky fur is yellow and orange.

Did you know?

  • This animal was first documented in 1806.
  • There are only about 4 individuals for every square mile.
  • The body is more than 2 feet long.
  • They can travel 9 miles in a day.
  • This weasel weighs over 3 pounds.
  • They travel less when the temperature is -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • This creature can make travel routes almost 100 feet long under the snow.
  • This animal dies 90 percent of the time from human traps.

They live on the edge of forests by the water, between Alaska and New Mexico. This species burrows in snow to conserve body heat, and they use scents to mark their territory. Females are ready to mate multiple times per mating season, and courting lasts for a couple of weeks. These animals have a low population amount, but are considered to be the least concern for the possibility of extinction.

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