The Pine Marten also known as the Pine ten or sweet marten is native to Northern Europe. It belongs to the Mustelidae family. The pine marten is a least concerned species. The Pine Marten is the same size as a domestic cat and its distinctive appearance means it is very easy to tell if it’s a pine marten or not. Around its neck is yellow or orange scarfs like shape and the pine marten is able to stand on its hind legs. Males are slightly darker than females. It is quite a lot like a weasel but it spends most of its time up in the trees. The pine martens height can vary from 50cm, its tail can be a length of 20cm. On average a pine marten can weigh 1.5kg.
In captivity pine martens have lived up to 18 years in the wild they can live up to 10 years. They reach sexual maturity at two or three years of age. The birth of a new born pine marten normally occurs in March or April after a 7 month wait. The new born will became fully independent at 6 months.

Pine martens prefer to live in well wooded areas the pine marten make their dens in hollowed out trees. Pine Martens have claws so it is easier for them to climb up trees. Pine martens feed off small mammals, frogs, birds, insects and sometimes berries, nuts and honey.

Pine Martens live in dens in the wilderness and in the wilderness they are many threats like the eagle, red fox but the main threat is humans. This is our main impact on their lives. It is now illegal to poison or shoot a pine marten if this happens the person will be persecuted. Human disturbances have caused a decline on their population. In some places their fur is very prized so the pine marten is fully protected in the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Environmental Protection Act.

Pine Marten