Humans are the pine martens' greatest natural enemies. Gamekeepers used to persecute them in former times, and they were trapped for their fur. Being classified as an endangered species, they are now partially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 6 which limits the methods by which the animal may be killed - including the prohibition of traps and snares. The pine marten was afforded strict legal protection in 1988. It is a criminal offence to trap or disturb them intentionally.

Pine martens may not be sold or distributed except under licence from Scottish Natural Heritage. Despite this legal protection, some die by eating poisoned baits and traps, often set for hooded crows and foxes, and some are killed if they are mistaken for mink.

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