We’re Jammin’

‘SCIENTISTS have hidden 100 jam sandwiches in remote forests in England in an attempt to catch a pine marten, a mammal believed to have been extinct here for 100 years.

Local naturalists have logged 35 suspected marten sightings on the densely-wooded fringes of the North York Moors since 1990.

And, although Brian Walker, of the Forestry Commission, says most of them were probably mistaken identity, “some were very convincing”.

”It could be that there’s always been a presence in this area, but we feel it’s more likely that they are recolonising from Scotland, where colonies are well-known.

”They often travel up to 20 miles a day while foraging and they could have easily worked their way back south.”

Scientists will monitor the traps, which also contain shredded chicken wings (another pine marten favourite), for hairs and other DNA traces.’

Posted: 5th, November 2004 | In: Strange But True Comment | TrackBack | Permalink