Stone marten (Martes foina)

Size:

• Body length: 40–54 cm (tail approx. 22–30 cm)
• Weight: 1.2–2.3 kg (males usually heavier than females)

Look:

• Grey-brown to dark brown fur
• A clearly visible white throat patch, often forked.
• Slim body, bushy tail
• Short legs, pointed snout
• Dark eyes, well-developed whiskers

Life cycle:

• Nocturnal, solitary animal
• Territorial behavior with scent marking
• Distinctive sounds during reproduction (calling, squeaking)
• Good climbers can easily break into buildings.

Nest locations:

• Attics, barns, cavities
• Engine compartment of vehicles (especially engines warmed up overnight)
• Sheds, stacks of wood, dense bushes

Nutrition:

• Omnivorous, highly adaptable
• Main food: Mice, birds, eggs, insects, fruit, carrion
• Regularly check garbage cans or compost heaps.

Behave:

• Curious, quick to learn, remembers attractive hiding places
• Return behavior: returns to previously used locations
• Cable damage in cars is territorial behavior (scent of foreign martens)
• Dung pit ("latrine") often in conspicuous places (stones, beams) and around the territory

Building damage:

• Insulation material, cables, and insulation are destroyed.
• Scratch and bite marks in attics and walls
• Noise pollution from nighttime activity
• Dark discoloration from hair grease on facades

Vehicle damage:

• Bite into ignition cables, brake hoses, insulation mats

Hygiene problems:

• Feces, urine, and prey remains in buildings can cause disease and odor problems.
• Marten fleas or parasites are possible.

Disease transmission:

• Indirect dangers from feces, parasites, and contaminated nesting sites
• Tapeworms, rabies (very rare), leptospirosis

Building:

• Block access to the attic and outbuildings with grilles, perforated metal sheets, or wire.
• Seal gaps and openings larger than 4 cm.
• Marten protection grilles on downpipes or gutters

Vehicles:

• Use protective sleeves for cables
• Engine cleaning by a garage technician after marten infestation (removing scent markings)

Behave:

• Do not leave any leftover food or animal feed in the garden.
• Regular inspection of the attic and garage