*************************************** Tuesday 10th March 2020 *********************************
Our Wicklow branch invite you to an evening to discuss “Pine Martens in Ireland” by Ruth Hanniffy. Ruth is a Project Support Officer with the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
The pine marten is a cat-sized animal with dark-brown fur and a bushy tail. Originally found in every county, its population declined due to persecution, strychnine poisoning and the act of being hunted for its mink-like fur. In nature, the pine marten is a solitary, territorial creature, with the males and females only coming together to breed. Sightings of a group will typically comprise of a female with two to three kits, which remain with her for up to six months after birth. They are predators, but their diet is extremely varied and includes wood mice, bank voles, rabbits, squirrels, birds, frogs, carrion, eggs, insects and fruit.
