European pine marten

Scientific name: Martes martes

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

A sleek, elongated mustelid with chocolate-brown fur, a distinctive cream or pale yellow throat patch, and a long bushy tail. Males are noticeably larger and heavier than females; body profile is lithe and adapted for arboreal movement.

Size and weight

Males 1.6–2.0 kg, females 1.2–1.5 kg; head-body length 34–47 cm, tail 20–28 cm.

Habitat

European pine martens inhabit mixed and coniferous forests, deciduous woodlands, and scrubland across their range. They favour areas with mature trees and dense canopy cover, from lowlands to montane zones up to 2,000 m.

Distribution

Widespread across northern and central Europe from Scandinavia to the Alps and Mediterranean highlands; absent from Ireland and southern Mediterranean regions. Prefer mixed and mature forests within their range.

Diet

Pine martens are opportunistic omnivores eating tree fruits (berries, rowan, bilberry), nuts, small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, and fungi; diet shifts seasonally toward mast crops in autumn.

Behaviour

Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, solitary or in loose pairs; highly agile climbers spending significant time in canopy. They are active year-round with increased foraging activity in evening and early morning hours.

Hunting tips

Look for distinctive five-toed tracks (front pad ~25 mm) in soft substrates near tree bases and along branches; scat is dark and often contains berry seeds or fur. Approach quietly through dense cover during dawn or dusk, using wind awareness; glassing canopy edges and lower branches increases encounter probability. Remain mobile through woodland rather than static, as martens cover large home ranges and are unpredictable.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 17 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.