A pet for some, an annoying pest for others: martens are cute and at the same time a danger for cars and insulation material. Find out everything there is to know about martens in the following profile: from external characteristics to behavior and reproduction.

Pine martens avoid humans

The marten in the profile

There are around 60 species within the marten family, including stoats, weasels, otters and badgers. In most cases, however, the term marten means "real marten", of which there are only eight species. Here is an overview of the general characteristics of the real marten in the profile:

  • Order: predators
  • Superfamily: Canines
  • Distribution: Eurasia and North America
  • Habitat: forest, only the stone marten in close proximity to humans
  • Diet: Small mammals, birds, eggs, berries and fruit
  • Size (head torso length): 40 to 65cm
  • Tail length: 12 to 40cm
  • Weight: 0.8 to 2.3 kg
  • Coat coloration: Mostly grey-brown, some species have light spots on the neck (e.g. stone marten)
  • Mating season: From June to August
  • Closed season: Depending on the federal state, usually from March 1st to mid-October

stone and pine marten

In Germany, the pine marten and the stone marten are the most common. Although the two look quite similar, what makes them different is the fact that stone martens stay close to humans and cause damage, while pine martens live in the forest and avoid humans.

tips

There is a closed season for both species in all federal states. Beech martens may be hunted outside of the closed season (if you have a hunting license), pine martens may not be hunted in some federal states.

The stone marten in the profile

The stone marten is the only marten that stays close to humans. For the same reason he is a great nuisance, because martens like to live in insulation material on the roof and love eggs; Male martens nibble on cables in the car during the mating season.
How to recognize the stone marten:

  • Appearance: Grey-brown, bristly fur with a white patch extending from lower jaw to paws
  • Size: Total length (including tail) 65 to 85 cm, males larger than females
  • Weight: 1.1 to 2.3 kg

The pine marten in the profile

Pine martens are slightly smaller and lighter than their stone marten relatives. Their fur is also a bit darker, including the spot on their neck.

  • Appearance: Dark brown to slightly reddish fur with a yellow-brown throat patch
  • Size: total length with tail 60 to 80cm, males larger and heavier than females
  • Weight: 0.8 to 1.8 kg

reproduction of martens

In the summer, both stone and pine martens go in search of a partner. The fertilized egg cell goes dormant until February, followed by a gestation period of one month. The young are therefore born in March, which is why the closed season begins here. The little ones are blind for five weeks and dependent on their mother for three to four months. You can find out more about the reproduction of martens here.

Marten as a climber

Martens are excellent climbers. They can turn their feet up to 180° and are excellent climbers, too. They climb both downpipes and trees without any problems and thus get onto the roof and into the attic. They can also jump up to two meters.

martens in winter

Martens don't hibernate. Since there is less to eat in winter, they build up a small supply in autumn, which does not mean that martens do not go hunting in winter. They like to retreat to warm places such as garages, attics or - in the case of pine martens - tree hollows.

Category:

Animals in the garden