The pine marten is one of six species of the weasel family (Mustelidae) native to Britain. The others are the weasel, stoat, polecat, otter and badger.
Adult pine martens are similar in size and shape to a small domestic cat, though lighter and with a long and slightly bushy tail. Whereas most mustelids have elongated tubular bodies and short legs, the pine marten has comparatively longer legs, a more defined neck and large rounded ears, with a rim of paler fur on the inside edge. The body fur is generally a dark, chocolate brown in the summer and a lighter chestnut brown in the winter.
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