One of UK's rarest native mammal species known for chocolate-brown fur rescued from Powys bin at two weeks old
The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Tewkesbury have said a baby pine marten is “progressing well” after being rescued from a Powys bin.
The two-week-old pine marten was handed in to a Tewkesbury wildlife hospital on 21 April weighing just 105 grams. The tiny kit was found in a rubbish bin with two of his deceased siblings.
The pine marten was then brought into the centre by a hedgehog carer who believed he might be a fox cub.
Natalie Gould, who works at the hospital, said that a pine marten had never been admitted to The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in 42 years.
She said: "It is our first ever pine marten - adult or baby - in almost 42 years, so it’s very exciting.
"He is progressing well and is with one of our hand rearing team, and will stay with her until weaned, when he will start to become more independent, so we become more and more hands off, to ensure he doesn’t become imprinted."
Pine martens were once widespread across the UK, however they suffered huge declines due to habitat loss and historic persecution, due to their thick fur. The wildlife centre says admissions like this show signs that the populations are slowly recovering.
Natalie said: "He will likely stay with us - unless we can find another rescue that has a kit of a similar age, which is unlikely - until late August, when we will work with other organisations to find a suitable release site for him."
A post on the hospital's social media page reads: "One of the UK’s rarest native mammals - part of the mustelid family (alongside otters, weasels, and badgers). They’re agile climbers, spending much of their time in trees, and are known for their beautiful chocolate-brown fur and distinctive creamy “bib” on their chest.
"Pine martens were once widespread across the UK but suffered huge declines due to habitat loss and persecution. Thankfully, populations are slowly recovering in some areas, with this kit's admission a sign of that.
"For this little one, unless we’re incredibly lucky enough to find another kit of a similar age (which is rather unlikely, but you never know), he’ll remain with us until late August. At that point, we’ll work with other organisations to find a safe and suitable release site for him.
"A truly special admission for all of us at Vale Wildlife Hospital."
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