Quick answer
Key facts about pine marten — size, diet, habitat, and conservation in one place.
Arboreal predator
Pine martens chase red squirrels through canopy with remarkable balance. In Scotland, martens may benefit native reds by competing with invasive grey squirrels.
Nocturnal habits
Mostly active at dusk and night, martens patrol territories marked with scat on prominent rocks. Denning in tree holes and rock crevices, they raise kits in spring.
Recovery in Britain
Legal protection and forest expansion reversed declines in Scotland. Translocations to Wales and discussions in England aim to restore native predator balance.
Bird feeder visits
Urban-edge martens occasionally raid bird feeders and poultry — smooth poles and secure coops reduce conflict.