For martens, it is not spring that causes feelings of pleasure, but rather summer. But marten mating season doesn't just mean unrest for the animals; People also often have to deal with more problems with martens at this time. Find out why this is the case below.
When is marten mating season?
The mating season of martens, both stone martens and pine martens, takes place in the summer, usually from the end of July to August, in exceptional cases as early as June. During this time martens are particularly active and can cause increased damage to cars.
When is mating season for martens?
Both stone martens and pine martens mate in the summer, from the end of July to August, in exceptional cases as early as June. The female goes looking for a male and leaves scent trails to signal her readiness. Once a pair has found each other, they mate several times over a period of about 48 hours.
Excursus
Danger to cars during mating season
During the mating season, male stone martens are particularly competitive. If they smell the scent of another male dog, they react aggressively and destructively. As a result, they cause more damage to car engines: one male retreats into the warm engine and leaves it undamaged. If another male comes along and smells the scent of his rival, he will angrily bite everything that comes in his way.
Catch or hunt martens during mating season
Martens, neither stone martens nor pine martens, are not protected. Now you might think that this would be a license to hunt or catch a marten. But this is not the case. On the one hand, there is a closed season for martens, which varies depending on the federal state. In any case, stone martens may not be hunted from the beginning of March to around mid-October. Pine martens, on the other hand, are not allowed to be hunted at any time in some federal states such as Berlin, Brandenburg and Hamburg. When catching outside the closed season, you should therefore make sure that the animal you are hunting is a stone marten and not a pine marten.
Since the mating season always falls during the closed season, you are allowed to Neither hunting nor catching animals at that time.
Hunting or catching martens outside the mating season
Outside the mating season, i.e. during the so-called hunting season, you are allowed to catch and, if necessary, kill martens. If necessary, a hunting license is required. If in doubt, check your state regulations.
