pine martin

[tobyw]

I have just visited my garden shed and noticed a lot of paper and cushions ripped apart. It was obvious that some creature was living there. I heard low whimpering sounds and there was a pungent smell. I could not see anything in the shed. My son wanted something from one of the bags there so I grabbed hold of one of them and started going through it when I noticed a furry animal in the bag. Its head was low in the bag with its tail sticking out. It made no attempt to escape. It was just an ordinary shopping bag full of transformer toys and some bits of paper. I tilted the bag and the creature jumped out and ran away. I am almost certain it was a pine martin. There were 2 babies in the bag. I put them in a makeshift bed and covered them with paper and card and put them back in the shed.
Will the mother return? If not what can I do?
I live in Co. Clare in the west of Ireland.

[pond50]

i would ask for advice from the RSPCA or local animal sanctuary or vet

[wildwood]

From what you've said it certainly appears to be a pine martin or similar. The sound was probably what they make when suckling.

Odds on that the parent will return and locate the youngsters by smell, and shift them to another location, probably still in the shed. Maybe sprinkle a bit of talcum powder around the makeshift bed that you made for them to ensure that the parent does return.

I am guessing that by the sound you described that they made, they are old enough to keep themselves warm.

Your location and the time of the year all point to a pine martin and note that they are protected and endangered in Ireland so it is probably illegal to even handrear one.
If in doubt contact your nearest wildlife office.

Hope things turn out ok.

[Kleiber]

How lovely, toby! Can you let us know if mum did return? I'm almost certain I saw a pine marten too, here in west Wales. It was in one of my fields, just under some trees. I only picked it out by torchlight at night, but the shape of the head and the way the ears were set makes me think it was one and not a polecat. They're very rare and I felt rather privileged (sp?). K x

[tobyw]

The mher did return to the shed and moved the young ones to another part of the shed.
I have left some food out which has been eaten.
Will they leave after the kitts are older?