THE STONE MARTEN
«In Zurich, there is a wide range of food and shelter. And this is where the action is! I love action, otherwise I get bored quickly.»
PROFILE
HABITAT
The stone marten prefers a dry and wind-protected shelter. Therefore, it likes to nest on roof pieces, in warehouses or parks and gardens.
The stone marten prefers a dry and wind-protected shelter. Therefore, it likes to nest on roof pieces, in warehouses or parks and gardens.
AGE
A stone marten lives about three to ten years in the wild.
A stone marten lives about three to ten years in the wild.
FOOD
Stone martens are omnivores. They prefer rabbits, birds and their eggs, frogs, insects, but also various berries and fruits.
Stone martens are omnivores. They prefer rabbits, birds and their eggs, frogs, insects, but also various berries and fruits.
BEHAVIOR
Stone martens seek proximity to humans. However, they are shy and fearful in direct encounters. Therefore, they are active mainly at dusk and at night. Stone martens like to tease us and eat rubber parts of cars out of boredom. They enjoy the warmth of car engines.
Stone martens seek proximity to humans. However, they are shy and fearful in direct encounters. Therefore, they are active mainly at dusk and at night. Stone martens like to tease us and eat rubber parts of cars out of boredom. They enjoy the warmth of car engines.
ENEMIES
Stone martens are very nimble, so they have few enemies. They are hunted mainly by birds of prey. Young martens must also beware of foxes and cats. Always that Fred!
Stone martens are very nimble, so they have few enemies. They are hunted mainly by birds of prey. Young martens must also beware of foxes and cats. Always that Fred!
DISEASES
Like the fox, the stone marten poses a hygienic problem. They often suffer from rabies. Therefore, one should not come too close to them.
Like the fox, the stone marten poses a hygienic problem. They often suffer from rabies. Therefore, one should not come too close to them.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The stone marten used to be hunted by us humans because of its fur. Today this is not so popular anymore, because its fur stinks very badly.
The stone marten used to be hunted by us humans because of its fur. Today this is not so popular anymore, because its fur stinks very badly.
HOW SHOULD YOU BEHAVE?
«I am quite sweet, that is clear! But I can also get on your nerves tremendously. So you’d better not feed me and don’t leave any garbage bags outside. Once I’ve settled in, I get bored very quickly and you know what that can do to your car. If I annoy you, contact the responsible gamekeeper. He’ll find a new place for me.»