Tradition: American Mythology
Alternative Names: Treesqueaks
Category: Marten
The Myth
Treesqueaks are small, weasel-like creatures that inhabit the northern woods. Their bodies are flexible and prehensile, allowing them to move around trees with ease. They can also change color to match the bark and appearance of the trees they climb, making them difficult to spot among the branches.
These creatures are known for producing an extraordinary variety of strange sounds. Their calls can resemble wind blowing through the trees, the whining of a cougar, the squealing of a piglet, or even firecrackers exploding at a wedding. Despite their small size, treesqueaks are as unfriendly and troublesome as their weasel-like appearance suggests.
According to the saying associated with them, any unexplained noise in the woods can be blamed on a treesqueak. Whenever something rustles, squeals, whistles, or cracks without an obvious cause, one of these elusive creatures is presumed to be responsible.
Sources
“Treesqueak.” A Book of Creatures, May 17, 2021. https://abookofcreatures.com/2021/05/17/treesqueak/