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Fur pelts consist of skin leather, guard hairs and under fur. The guard hairs are the long glossy hairs that overlay the shorter, denser under fur. The guard hairs help to repel moisture in addition to protecting the under fur from damage. The under fur primarily serves to insulate the skin, especially in cold climates. For this reason, furs from northern areas are generally higher in quality and of more value than those from southern regions. Fur "primeness" refers to the degree of development of the animal's winter pelt. All furbearing animals undergo at least one annual molt. Summer pelts are thin and flat and are of little or no value as furs. In the fall, as the days begin to shorten. the winter fur grows in. Although many people think that low temperatures cause pelts to prime, the primary process is actually regulated by photo period (day length). Weather can make some differences, however. For example a cloudy, gray fall will cause furs to prime up more quickly than they would in a bright, sunny fall because of the difference in light levels.
The most popular furbearing pelts & skins include coyote, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, raccoon, skunk, mink, otter, beaver, muskrat, and opossum. |
Fur Coats & Shawls
Fur Coats & Jackets
