First Wild Pine Martens Born in Southwest England in Over a Century

Footage from a trail camera has revealed the first wild baby pine martens born in southwest England in over a century. The video features a female pine marten with four kits exploring the woodlands of Exmoor, marking the first indication that pine martens released by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project are breeding successfully in the region. This initiative aims to reintroduce pine martens to the South West and has also released 15 individuals in Dartmoor National Park. Ali North, the field officer for Exmoor, expressed enthusiasm over the sighting, as mothers usually have two to three kits. The project has involved local community members in constructing den boxes and setting up cameras. Pine martens, primarily nocturnal and shy, are typically found in northern UK regions, particularly Scotland. The birth of these kits indicates that Exmoor provides a suitable environment for the species.