Pine Marten

Martes martes

This agile tree dwelling mammal is part of the badger and otter family.

It has a dark brown coat and a bushy tail. Each pine marten has a unique bib pattern under its chin and down its chest, which can be coloured from an orange-yellow to almost white. They have large rounded ears that stick up from the sides of their heads. A male can be almost twice the size and weight of a female.

Pine martens have a distinctive bouncing run when on the ground moving front feet and rear feet together. They may stop and stand upright on their haunches to get a better view. They are athletic climbers and can hunt and catch red squirrels in trees.

How to be responsible when watching wildlife >

Discover more about the Pine Marten

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Active throughout the year, this mainly nocturnal species is sometimes seen hunting on summer evening. In some areas of forestry planting, they will deliberately mark their territories by depositing their dung on the track.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

This is a forest species found in coniferous and mixed woodland and has spread across most of the Highlands. It has been successfully re-introduced by translocation to the Glentrool area of Dumfries & Galloway.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

In August the larger male courts the female, who will usually also have her sub-adult twins of that year in tow. There is usually a lot of cat-like yowling around the mating period. The female has delayed implantation, like the roe deer. Young males often spend the winter in the territory of the male that mated with their mother that summer. The young females can stay in the mother’s territory.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Badger Otter

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Active throughout the year, this mainly nocturnal species is sometimes seen hunting on summer evening. In some areas of forestry planting, they will deliberately mark their territories by depositing their dung on the track.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

This is a forest species found in coniferous and mixed woodland and has spread across most of the Highlands. It has been successfully re-introduced by translocation to the Glentrool area of Dumfries & Galloway.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

In August the larger male courts the female, who will usually also have her sub-adult twins of that year in tow. There is usually a lot of cat-like yowling around the mating period. The female has delayed implantation, like the roe deer. Young males often spend the winter in the territory of the male that mated with their mother that summer. The young females can stay in the mother’s territory.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Badger Otter

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Active throughout the year, this mainly nocturnal species is sometimes seen hunting on summer evening. In some areas of forestry planting, they will deliberately mark their territories by depositing their dung on the track.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

This is a forest species found in coniferous and mixed woodland and has spread across most of the Highlands. It has been successfully re-introduced by translocation to the Glentrool area of Dumfries & Galloway.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

In August the larger male courts the female, who will usually also have her sub-adult twins of that year in tow. There is usually a lot of cat-like yowling around the mating period. The female has delayed implantation, like the roe deer. Young males often spend the winter in the territory of the male that mated with their mother that summer. The young females can stay in the mother’s territory.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Badger Otter

Book your opportunity to see this wildlife

Speyside Wildlife

Speyside Wildlife was established in 1991 and offers wildlife-watching day trips, tours and holidays in the UK and Overseas. We cater for a wide va...
Read more >

Kestrel Wildlife Safaris

Why not visit one of Scotlands hidden gems, Breadalbane, in north-east Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, experience its scenery and wi...
Read more >

Days in the Wild

Whether you want to see otters in the wild or photograph a kingfisher dive, we are here to help.  We help you find the best of the wildlife and if...
Read more >

Wilderness Scotland

Wilderness Scotland is an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. We specialise in offering an inspiring range of guided, self-guide...
Read more >

Highland Wildlife and Birdwatch Safaris

Friendly part or full day wildlife safaris with an experienced local nature watcher in a comfortable MPV. View the wonderful world of wildlife in r...
Read more >

Aquila Ecology

Aquila Ecology is a small independent company based in the beautiful surroundings of St Fillans, Perthshire. Aquila Ecology offers customer focused...
Read more >

Speyside Wildlife - Wildlife Identification Training

If you’ve always wanted to know what the bird calls are that you hear whilst out walking in our Scottish National Parks, or to feel confident that...
Read more >

Wild Ewe Safaris

Our safaris explore the wonderful diversity of nature around the Loch Ewe area in Wester Ross, in the North West Highlands of Scotland. ​ If we're...
Read more >

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife tour company offering its guests opportunities to see the most charismatic and enigmatic species in Sco...
Read more >

Go Wild Scotland CIC

Based in Selkirk, at the heart of the Scottish Borders, our not for profit company encourages community involvement in wildlife, nature and conserv...
Read more >
1 2