Pine martens were once considered to be vermin and were persecuted throughout the 17th century. They were trapped for their fur and because of attacks on game birds and chickens. By the early 1900s, the pine marten was extinct throughout much of Britain.

Life span
Up to 12 years.

Statistics
Male: Head and body length: 40-53cm, Weight: 1200-1600g. Female: Head and body length: 37-45cm, Weight: 800-1300g.

Physical Description
Pine martens have dark brown fur, with a yellow patch on the chest and neck. Their fur is short and thin in the summer, but becomes thick and long for the winter months. They have a pointed muzzle, prominent ears and a bushy tail.

Although they are frequently mistaken for polecats, as well as differences in fur colour and their bushy tails, they are significantly larger and have longer legs and large feet.

Distribution
Pine martens are distributed throughout most of West Europe, with local pockets in the UK, Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands. They also occur in Central Asia.

Habitat
They prefer well wooded areas with plenty of cover.

Diet
They feed on birds, squirrels and other rodents, rabbits, eggs, beetles, berries and honey.

Behaviour
Pine martens are excellent climbers, and climb with agility in a squirrel-like manner from tree to tree. They are elusive and nocturnal. Suitable refuge sites include rocky crevices, disused squirrel nests (dreys) and holes in trees.

Reproduction
Females give birth to an average of three young, which become fully independent after six months.

Conservation status
They received protection throughout the UK in 1981 with the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the subsequent amended Environmental Protection Act of 1990, which prohibits certain methods of killing the animals such as by shooting.

Legislation together with reforestation has enabled the pine marten population to recover, although it is not as widespread as it once was.