Marten tracks are confusingly similar to those of cats. But with a good eye and some analysis, they can be distinguished from other animal tracks. In the following, learn about the characteristics of marten tracks and how to make them visible.

Muddy tracks are often pretty clear

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. What do marten tracks look like?
  3. Distinguish marten tracks from other animal tracks
  4. Make marten tracks visible
  5. Marten tracks in the snow
  6. Scratch marks from martens
  7. Marten bite marks
  8. frequently asked Questions

    9. the essentials in brief

    • Marten tracks are approx. 4.5cm long and 3.5cm wide; usually five toes plus claws are visible.
    • Marten tracks are more elongated than cat tracks and, unlike cat tracks, show claw marks.
    • Marten tracks can be made visible with the help of flour, lime or fine sand.

    What do marten tracks look like?

    Martens and cats are roughly the same size, which is why their paw prints are similar in size. However, marten prints are a bit longer because the distance between the pads and the toes is a bit larger. Therefore, the overall impression of an oval print is created, whereas that of a cat appears more rounded. For the same reason, the marten print is slightly longer at about 4.5cm than that of a cat, which is only about 3.5cm long. In addition, only four toes can be seen in cats, but often five in martens.

    Summary: Signs of a marten track

    • approx. 4.5 cm long and 3.5 cm wide
    • Crescent shaped bale
    • 5, sometimes only 4 visible toes radiating out from the pad
    • A fine marten paw print may show claw marks in front of all five toes

    Here is a video that clearly shows the characteristics of marten tracks:

    youtube

    Walking behavior in martens and cats

    Not only the footprints themselves differ from animal to animal, the way they move also allows conclusions to be drawn as to whether the tracks are marten or cat tracks: while cats usually leave beautifully symmetrical tracks in which the distances between the While imprints are all similar, martens tend to leave two imprints very close together while the next two are farther apart. However, if the marten has only taken a leisurely walk, the course of the tracks is similar to that of cats.

    If the marten was moving fast, its front and hind paw prints are close together

    Distinguish marten tracks from other animal tracks

    Animal tracks are not easy to distinguish, especially as they are often not very clear and easy to see. In the table below we have summarized the most common animal tracks with their size and characteristics for you.

    marten cat dog racoon Fox Badger
    imprint size 4.5 cm long, 3.5 cm wide 3.5 cm long, 3 cm wide Depending on the type approx. 7cm, front paw smaller approx. 5cm long, approx. 3cm wide Hind paw up to 7 cm long, front paw slightly smaller
    shape of the ball crescent shaped Crescent-shaped or rhombus-like triangular a single imprint like that of a child Triangular, similar in size to toepad print Front paw crescent shaped, hind paw long, almost human footprint
    number of toes 4 or 5 4 4 5 4 5
    claw print Yes no Yes Yes Yes Yes
    confusion With cat With marten With fox Possibly with badger With dog tracks, fox tracks are narrower and front toes point slightly inward Possibly with a raccoon

    Make marten tracks visible

    The tracks are not always easy to see. So if you want to be sure that a marten is really up to mischief on your roof, you can try to make its tracks visible first. To do this, sprinkle odorless, dry, fine substances in those places where you suspect a marten has passed through. The following are suitable for this:

    • flour
    • fine sand
    • lime
    • finely ground coal

    tips

    Do not use anything that has been flavored such as baby powder.

    Marten tracks in the snow

    Detecting and determining animal tracks in the snow is particularly complicated because the prints are rather vague, especially in fine snow. Here you can, for example, pay attention to the gait. As I said, martens usually have two paw prints close together. However, if the marten walks slowly, its gait can be very similar to that of a cat. You can also pay attention to the rough shape of the track here:

    • Marten tracks are more oval compared to cat tracks.
    • Claw marks may be visible on the pointed ends.
    • Hind and front paws are almost identical, unlike e.g. the badger or raccoon, where the front paw is significantly smaller than the hind paw.

    Scratch marks from martens

    Martens also leave tracks with their claws and teeth

    Martens not only leave paw prints but also completely different tracks, namely scratch marks. In order to get to their destination, martens cling tightly and to gain access, they sometimes scrape open an opening.

    Where do martens leave scratch marks?

    Martens are good climbers and can climb up vertical obstacles with the help of their claws. They leave scratch marks, e.g. on:

    • A gutter
    • A house wall with projections
    • trees
    • roof shingles
    • openings
    • roof beams

    What do such scratch marks look like?

    Have you ever left a mark in soft wood with a nail? This is what scratch marks look like, except that martens naturally have sharper claws and their scratch marks are therefore somewhat narrower than ours and can also penetrate deeper into harder materials. Since martens have five claws on each paw, they usually leave a sea of scratch marks, much like cats.

    damage to the insulation

    Martens love insulation! It is nice and warm and can be used wonderfully for nest building. Therefore, martens in the wall or in the car often damage the insulation. They not only leave scratches and bite marks; it is noticeable that part of the insulation that the marten takes with it to build its nest is missing.

    digression

    nest building of martens

    In February, the pregnant marten female starts building the nest in order to give birth to her young there at the beginning of March. As a location, she chooses a dark, dry place such as the attic, a barn or even a hole in the wall. Martens prefer higher hiding places, which is why the basement is rarely inhabited. Pine martens raise their young in tree hollows or abandoned bird nests. The nests are padded with leaves, straw, insulating material and other soft materials.

    Marten bite marks

    To widen openings, martens scratch and bite them open

    It is well known that martens like to lay hands on hoses and cables in the engine compartment, but with a bit of bad luck a cable in the false ceiling can also believe in it.

    The reasons for the biting have not been finally clarified. In the engine compartment, martens (almost always the second marten) probably cause damage out of rivalry, in the false ceiling or in the attic pure curiosity can be the reason for a bite. In most cases, however, the cables and hoses are not bitten through cleanly, but only nibbled, which is the reason why the damage is often not discovered right away.

    frequently asked Questions

    How can I distinguish marten tracks from cat tracks?

    Marten tracks usually have five toe marks, while cats only have four. Also, cat prints tend to be rounder (the same width as they are long), while marten prints are more oblong. The best distinguishing feature are the claw marks, which are completely absent from cat tracks.

    There are marten tracks on my car, what should I do?

    While the first marten usually does not cause any damage when it visits the engine compartment, the second bites wildly when it smells its rival. This danger is particularly high during the mating season in summer. If it's summer, you should check your car for possible marten damage or take it to the workshop if damage is suspected.

    How do I make marten tracks visible?

    Scatter flour, lime or fine sand where you suspect a marten has passed through. The marten will leave nice, clear tracks when entering.

Category:

Animals in the garden