Martens are active in both summer and winter. However, they may be caught in winter, but not in summer. Why is that? Find out more about the activities of martens in summer below.
In August, young martens finally become independent - and it's mating season!
The marten cycle over the year
martens in summer
The annual cycle of the martens starts right here: in summer. Mating season is from the end of July to the beginning of September. At that time, male martens in particular are particularly active and leave their territory. In the summer, motorists complain of an exceptionally high level of marten damage, because this is where “new” martens encounter territories from others, smell the smell of their rivals and become aggressive. This behavior has already cost the life of many a hose.
marten in autumn
After the marten female has mated, nothing happens at first. She doesn't get fatter either, because she's not really pregnant: the fertilized egg cell goes into a so-called dormant state - for seven months. During this time, the egg is dormant in the uterus.
martens in winter
Martens do not hibernate and have to look after their food even in winter. Marten tracks can therefore often be found in the snow in winter. However, activity decreases in winter, on the one hand to save energy and on the other hand because there are no strenuous things like looking for a mate. However, now, 7 months after mating, the one-month pregnancy of the marten female begins.
marten in spring
In March, three to four young martens are born. They are dependent on their mother for six months!
Closed season for martens
As is well known, animals may not be hunted or caught, and least of all killed, during their closed season. The reason for this is, among other things, that their young should not starve miserably if the mother is injured. The closed season for martens depends on the federal state, but is usually between the beginning of March and mid-October.