Pine Marten 001

At this time of year we start to have warmer days with more sunlight. It just beckons to you to get out and enjoy the longer evenings. Wildlife seem to enjoy the longer days also as they become more active.

Pine Marten 002

Karla and I were watching the red squirrels at our home when a pine marten surprised us. Pine marten are usually nocturnal so to see one during the day is quite rare. In the past few weeks we saw tracks around our house on several occasions but have not had the opportunity to witness the maker of those tracks.

Pine Marten 003

We watched from the house for several minutes as he looked around for something to eat. Red squirrels are one of the pine martens main prey so the squirrels kept their distance.

Pine Marten 004

Earlier, I had put a couple of mice out in the snow that had been caught in mouse traps. It didn’t take the pine marten very long to find them.

Pine Marten 005

I stepped outside to get better pictures. The pine marten let me get within about 20 feet before he retreated back into the spruce trees and disappeared.