Should the American Marten be introduced into the Pennsylvania Wilds?

A small mammal has been missing from Pennsylvania forests for more than a century. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering bringing it back. The animal is the American Martine AKA the Pine Marten. It weighs 2 pounds and may reach 2 feet in length. The Martin most resembles weasels, minks, or fishers. The American Marten disappeared in Pennsylvania around 1900 because of deforestation and over harvesting.
Tom Keller, a Fur Bearing Biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will discuss the possible reintroduction of the American Marten on Friday November 3rd at 7 pm at Blue Spruce Lodge. This event is sponsored by Evergreen Conservancy. This event is free and open to the public.
The game commission has yet to commit to the reintroduction of the American Marten. They have been studying the issue since 2022. Martens like to live in forested areas where there is at least 35 inches of snow. Once approved martens will be introduced to the area known as “Pennsylvania Wilds”. Martens are eaters of small animals like red squirrels, mice, birds, rabbits, fish, grasses and berries. In states where Martins live there is little impact on Turkeys and Grouse.
Mr. Keller received Bachelors in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Penn State University and a Masters in Conservation Biology from Green Mountain College. He has worked for the USDA Wildlife Services and the Game Commission. Currently he manages 16 fur bearing species from weasels to coyotes.
Keller’s presentation will concentrate on the history of wildlife management in Pennsylvania, the loss of habitat and species in the state, and the rewilding of Pennsylvania. Then he will discuss the feasibility of reintroducing the Marten in Pennsylvania. He will also discuss Marten biology.