
The pine marten is a sleek and elusive member of the weasel family, native to the forests of Europe. With its chestnut brown fur, bushy tail, and creamy throat patch, it moves gracefully through the treetops and forest floor, a skilled climber and agile hunter. Pine martens are mostly nocturnal, feeding on a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and fruit.
Once in sharp decline due to habitat loss and persecution, the pine marten is slowly returning to parts of its former range, aided by conservation efforts. Its presence is seen as a positive sign of a healthy ecosystem, and it even helps control populations of invasive species like grey squirrels. Shy but curious, the pine marten is a symbol of the quiet resilience of the wild woods.