Missoula, MT – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is ramping up efforts to bolster the pine marten population in the Bridger Mountains this winter, with a focus on enhancing the local ecosystem and supporting the recovery of this elusive member of the weasel family.
The Bridger Mountains, known for their diverse wildlife, including bears, elk, mountain goats, and a small population of pine martens, are seeing a targeted conservation initiative aimed at increasing the marten population. FWP is collaborating with volunteer trappers from areas like Paradise, Gallatin, Madison, and Big Hole to trap and relocate pine martens to the northern portion of the Bridger Mountains. This effort builds on similar initiatives that began in 2020, which included the release of martens in the Little Belts and Castles.
According to Morgan Jacobsen, a spokesman for FWP, the relocation process is efficient, thanks to the skill and dedication of the volunteer trappers. “Once they capture a marten, in most cases, we’re able to release them in the North Bridgers within 24 hours,” Jacobsen explained.
The trapping process is designed to minimize stress for the animals. Martens are caught in humane, specially designed traps that provide shelter. Once captured, the animals are checked for sex, with the goal of ensuring at least 50% of the released martens are females, which helps establish a balanced population. The traps are checked daily, ensuring a quick turnaround from capture to release. Once the martens are ready to be released, the trap is opened, and the animal is free to return to its new environment.
FWP is also asking for the public’s help in monitoring the success of the relocation program. Individuals who spot a pine marten in the Bridger Mountains are encouraged to report their sightings to FWP, which is using trail cameras to track the animals’ movements and population growth.
This ongoing project is part of FWP’s broader wildlife management efforts to support the recovery of native species and maintain a healthy balance within Montana’s diverse ecosystems. By continuing to monitor and augment the marten population, FWP hopes to secure a sustainable future for these shy, forest-dwelling animals in the Bridger Mountains.
