ONE OF the UK’s rarest native mammal species has been rescued from a rubbish bin.
A pine marten kit is being cared for at The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre.
The incredibly rare mammal, which was discovered alongside two of its deceased siblings, is the first one to come through the wildlife centre in its 42-year history.
Staff at The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre said: “Well, never in our 42 years have we admitted one of these.
“We’ve had a very exciting (and very tiny!) new arrival.
“Weighing just 105g, and sadly discovered in a rubbish bin alongside two deceased siblings, this young kit has been on quite the journey already, having been passed between four different people and locations before reaching us.
“Now in the care of one of our experienced hand-rearing team members, he will stay with us until he’s weaned and we gradually become more hands-off to ensure he doesn’t become imprinted – giving him the best possible chance at life back in the wild.”
Pine martens used to be widespread across the UK, but numbers have dwindled due to habitat loss and persecution.
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Staff at the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre added: “One of the UK’s rarest native mammals – part of the Mustelidae family – known as mustelids (alongside otters, weasels, stoats, polecats and badgers).
“They’re agile climbers, spending much of their time in trees, and are known for their beautiful chocolate-brown fur and distinctive creamy “bib” on their chest.
“Pine martens were once widespread across the UK but suffered huge declines due to habitat loss and persecution. Thankfully, populations are slowly recovering in some areas, with this kit’s admission a sign of that.
“For this little one, unless we’re incredibly lucky enough to find another kit of a similar age (which is rather unlikely, but you never know), he’ll remain with us until late August. At that point, we’ll work with other organisations to find a safe and suitable release site for him.
“A truly special admission for all of us at Vale Wildlife Hospital.”
