Get to Know Marty and the Pine Marten Family
Meet Marty the Pine Marten! Mt. Bachelor’s first-ever mascot officially unleashed earlier this year. You’ve probably spotted him scampering around the resort—popping up at the Opening Day lift, hanging at West Village Lodge, crashing Kid Après, or making an appearance at the Boneyard Backcountry Bars.
We’ve heard the comments: “Can I get a picture with the bear?” “Is that a squirrel?” Fair questions. Pine martens don’t exactly come with name tags… well, ours does, but that’s beside the point. So, we figured we would provide you with more information as to what a pine marten is, and what you can expect from Marty around the mountain.
What is a Pine Marten?
Pine martens, or more specifically, pacific martens are small, forest-dwelling carnivores native to the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon’s Cascade Range, they rely on large, connected conifer forests (dominated by pines, firs, and spruces) and are an important indicator of healthy, complex forest ecosystems.
- Family: Small, slender carnivore in the weasel family
- Range: Forested mountains of Oregon, Washington, and northern California
- Habitat: Mature and old-growth conifer forests
- Size: About the size of a house cat
- Appearance: Brown fur with a pale yellow to orange throat patch and bushy tail
- Behavior: Skilled tree climber; nocturnal (active mostly at night and twilight)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, insects, and seasonal berries
- Shelter: Uses tree cavities, logs, and snags for resting and denning
- Adaptations: Wide, furred feet for traveling over snow
- Conservation: Sensitive to habitat loss and forest fragmentation
Where can I see Marty the Pine Marten?
Marty will be roaming the resort all winter, greeting guests at the entrance gates, visiting on-mountain events, and with a little help from our Ski and Ride School, riding the lifts and skiing in no time. Coming soon, Marty Parties will give our groms the chance to meet Marty and take fun photos together!