MAMMALS AND BIRDS OF ALASKA 



23 



MARTEN 



The Amoricau iiiarteii, or sabk', is goiicrally distributed throughout 

 timbered parts of the Territory (fig. 24), usually in areas frequented 

 by the common red squirrel, upon which it largely preys. Although 

 this beautiful fm* animal has become alarmingl}^ scarce over most of 

 its range, special action by the Alaska Game Commission has pre- 

 vented depletion in the Territory. Owing to the high value of its 

 pelt, closed seasons are necessary to preserve the species. The 

 animal has a fatal curiosity concerning traps, so is probably taken 

 to some extent even in closed seasons in sets for other animals. The 

 number of marten pelts exported from Alaska varies greatly from 

 year to year (according to the closed seasons), but the annual aver- 

 age for 16 years was 4,314, valued at more than $90,000. 



LAND OTTER 



The land otter has never been plentiful in Alaska, although it ranges 

 from the southeastern sea coast to the Arctic Circle (fig. 24). Over 

 a period of many years, the average annual catch has been about 3,000, 

 valued at more than $50,000. Two types of pelts are recognized by the 

 fur trade: the large blue-brown pelt from the coast, and the smaller 

 silky pelt from interior rivers. Both are of excellent quality. 



WEASEL 



Weasels, source of the fur known as ermine, are A^ddely scattered 

 (fig. 25) in Alaska, but the gatheiing of their white pelts is of small 



\ 





DISTRIBUTION 



WEASEL (ERMINE) 



IN ALASKA 1938 





Figure 25. — Diistributiuii of the weasel (ermine). 



