American marten (Martes americana), juvenile female, Lassen National Forest, Northern CA (3)

Description:

This juvenile female marten was captured in a live trap but was too young and small to collar. She got a basic checkup and was released. However, instead of running off into the forest, she returned to the researchers and spent quite a while checking us out. The orange color on her neck is natural. The light coming in from behind lit up her ears and fur.