Beech Marten (Stone Marten) – Martes foina

The beech marten, formerly often referred to as the stone marten, is a widespread mustelid in Europe. It also has a wide distribution in the Central Asia. Closest to Finland, beech martens are found in Estonia. In Finland, there has been one sighting of the species, probably imported by humans as a pet, i.e. it is an alien species. In the future, as a result of climate change and global warming, the beech marten may spread to Finland naturally, turning its status into an invasive species.