The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Mammals›Pine Marten
Science & Nature • Mammals

Pine Marten

The pine marten is a medium-sized mustelid, a member of the weasel family, native to much of Europe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The pine marten is a medium-sized mustelid, a member of the weasel family, native to much of Europe. Its scientific name is *Martes martes*, and it is known for its brown fur, pale throat patch, and arboreal woodland habits.

Description

The pine marten is a cat-sized carnivorous mammal with a long body, bushy tail, brown coat, and a creamy or yellowish throat patch. It is an agile climber adapted for life in trees and woodland cover.

Distribution and habitat

Pine martens are found across much of Europe and are strongly associated with wooded areas. In Britain, they are most common in Scotland and are rarer in England and Wales, while populations in Ireland are also significant.

Diet and behaviour

Although classified as carnivores, pine martens are opportunistic feeders. They hunt small mammals and birds, and also eat eggs, insects, fruit, and fungi; they are typically nocturnal and solitary.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern globally, but its status is more precarious in parts of its range, especially Britain. Protection and reintroduction efforts have supported recovery in some regions.

Key facts

  • Pine martens are tree-climbing mustelids that are mostly nocturnal and solitary.
  • They are native to Europe and are especially associated with woodland habitats.
  • Despite the name, they use more than pine forests and also live in mixed and broad-leaved woodland.
  • Their diet is opportunistic and includes small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, fruit, and fungi.
  • The species declined in parts of Britain because of persecution and habitat loss, but numbers have been recovering in some areas.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pine marten?
A pine marten is a medium-sized member of the weasel family, native to Europe, with the scientific name *Martes martes*.
Why is it called a pine marten?
The name refers to its woodland habits, especially its association with pine-rich forests, though it also lives in other forest types.
What does a pine marten eat?
Its diet includes small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, fruit, and fungi.
Where do pine martens live?
They live in woodland habitats across much of Europe, with strong populations in parts of Scotland, Ireland, and other European regions.
Are pine martens endangered?
Not globally; the species is listed as Least Concern. However, it is protected and locally rare in parts of Britain.
What family does the pine marten belong to?
It belongs to the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, otters, badgers, and ferrets.

References

  1. Woodland Trust — https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/06/pine-marten-facts/
    Supports: Scientific name, family, woodland habitat, UK distribution, protection, and young called kits.
  2. Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/facts-about-pine-martens
    Supports: European range and global conservation status as Least Concern.
  3. Trees for Life — https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/trees-plants-animals/mammals/pine-marten/
    Supports: Mustelid classification and general species description.
  4. The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/mammals/pine-marten
    Supports: Size, habitat, diet, behaviour, UK distribution, and protection status.
  5. People's Trust for Endangered Species — https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/pine-marten/
    Supports: Physical description, nocturnal behaviour, lifespan, and British conservation status.