The
martens constitute the
genus Martes within the
subfamily Mustelinae, in the
family Mustelidae. Martens are slender, agile animals, adapted to living in
taigas, and are found in coniferous and northern deciduous
forests across the
Northern Hemisphere. They have bushy tails, and large paws with partially retractible claws. The fur varies from yellowish to dark brown, depending on the species, and, in many cases, is valued by
fur trappers.