What does a healthy Pine Marten look like?
- Move quickly through trees and climb with ease
- Be seen in gardens or rural areas
- Be alert and responsive to noise
- Be seen alone while foraging
- Return to a den after activity
Young pine martens are more commonly seen in spring as they begin to explore independently.
Pine martens are difficult to safely capture and may take time to bring into care. Always monitor from a distance.
What to do if you find a Pine Marten
If a pine marten is in your garden, leave it alone. It will usually move on or return to cover on its own. Do not disturb it
If it is threatened by a dog or cat, take your pet inside temporarily and keep a safe distance.
Never feed, handle or attempt to move a pine marten.
When a Pine Marten may need some help
- Not moving away when approached
- Lying on its side or appearing collapsed
- Limping or moving with difficulty
- Appearing weak, disorientated or unwell
- Showing visible injury or bleeding
- The pine marten is injured, stuck or clearly in distress
When in doubt, contact us
Call our Wildlife Team on 028 3025 1000 if you notice any of the signs above, or if you are unsure about the next steps.
