Pine Marten

From Srafopedia

Pantalaimon, Lyra's Dæmon, takes the form of a pine marten at the end of The Amber Spyglass. The pine marten is a member of the weasel family, and when fully grown is around the size of a domesticated cat, with dark red or chocolate-coloured fur and a creamy white bib around the throat. The male, like Pantalaimon, measures around 68 centimetres from tip to toe. They are more inclined to be nocturnal than come out in the daytime, although it is common to see them out around dawn/dusk in the summer months, and are adept at climbing trees. Invariably, pine martens have a timid and alert nature.

Pine martens are common to the Scottish Highlands, Northumberland and North Yorkshire (all in the British Isles). They tend to roam in coniferous or broad-leaved woods, and forage for bird eggs, fungi, berries, small mammals (voles, mice and the like), and smaller birds. Contrary to popular belief, pine martens tend to avoid red and grey squirrels rather than eat them. They are not naturally territorial, and have a playful and curious nature in comparison to the more numerous foxes, badgers, and squirrels that share their realms.

From the behavioural characteristics of the pine marten, it is clear why Pantalaimon settles as one - they are playful, curious and intelligent, but not aggressive.