The mammal – one of the rarest in the country – was handed in to a wildlife hospital weighing just 105g
The two-week-old pine marten was handed in to a wildlife hospital on April 21 weighing just 105 grams(Image: The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Tewkesbury)
One of Britain’s rarest mammals has been found in a rubbish bin in Wales. The two-week-old pine marten was handed in to a wildlife hospital on April 21 weighing just 105 grams.
The tiny kit was discovered in a rubbish bin alongside two of his deceased siblings. The pine marten, found in Powys, was brought to the centre by a hedgehog carer who initially believed he might be a fox cub.
Natalie Gould, a member of staff at the hospital, said a pine marten had never previously been admitted to The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Tewkesbury throughout its 42-year history.
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.
The pine marten, found at the bottom of a rubbish bin in Powys with two of his dead siblings, is now recovering well(Image: The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Tewkesbury)
Natalie added: “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 kits 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.”