PA Game Commission discusses plan to reintroduce American Marten into the state

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to reintroduce the American Marten in the state.

If you haven't heard of the Marten, that's because the weasel-like mammal was wiped out in the state before you were born.

“This is a species that has been gone for over 120 years and so we were just developing this feasibility assessment which really just tells us, is it possible to reintroduce the Marten.”

Officials say the answer they have so far is yes.

“They were once a common native species in Pennsylvania throughout much of the forest. This is probably one of the last species we have the opportunity to reintroduce to Pennsylvania.”

Wildlife experts say there are multiple reasons to bring the Marten back.

“Ecological reasons, economic reasons, political reasons.”

And these animals should not be a danger for people, pets, or livestock.

“Where the Marten’s habitat is, is primarily what you consider the PA Wilds, Northcentral/Northwest Pennsylvania, in some of those very remote locations. Martens are fairly secretive and don’t do well with human development.”

The plan isn't a guarantee but by this time next year the plan could be being executed to repopulate Pennsylvania with Martens.