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Which Animals Are Killed for Fur Coats?

For centuries, fur has been a key commodity for the trade and economic growth of many countries around the world. Fur coats have been known as a trademark of luxury and the ultimate fashion statement. The success of fur is due to the continued demand of consumers. Various animals' fur is used to produce coats and other fur products, and many animals are trapped cruelly in the wild or bred on inhumane fur farms. Animal rights activists have been increasingly visible in their efforts to stop people from buying fur in recent years, but the garments still remain popular.

Chinchillas
- Chinchillas fur is considered extravagant due to its rarity.
  
  Chinchillas are rodent-like animals that are slightly larger than ground squirrels. They are native to South America and are often found in communities of 100 members. Chinchillas care for their extremely dense fur by frequent dust baths. Due to the high demand in their soft fur, they have been trapped to near extinction in the wild. Chinchilla fur is known for its even color and is used for small garments or linings. Due to their small size, it takes many pelts to make a full coat. Fur farms breed chinchillas for commercial uses, but many people also keep them as pets.
Mink
- Minks are found in North America and Europe.
  
  Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic animals similar to weasels, otters and ferrets. They are often found near sources of water and prefer protective habitats such as brush, trees and vegetation. The most common mink are found in North America and are large, adaptable and have the finest quality of mink fur in the world. The fur is highly prized for clothing and is harvested through trapping or fur-farming. American mink are rarely trapped anymore, however, due to the superior quality and color of fur that can be achieved by breeding them in captivity.
Raccoons
- Raccoon fur is used for the majority of all coats.
  
  Raccoons are nocturnal omnivores native to North America and parts of southern Canada. Their fur is thick, coarse, and comes in different colors depending on their location. Raccoons from humid areas such as forests yield a dark fur, while those found in arid, dry regions produce a lighter, reddish-colored fur. They are often hunted by trapping or by dogs and are then plucked and sheared. A raccoon's fur is durable and is often used for heavy coats.
Beavers
- Beaver fur is used for coats as well as fur hats.
  
  Known for their architectural constructuions in streams and river beds, beavers are the second-largest rodent in the world and are found only in North America. They are trapped and hunted for their coarse, thick fur consisting of shiny hair in different shades from brown to silver. Natural beaver fur is used for men's coats due to its rugged look and durability. Beaver fur is plucked and sheared to create a softer coat for women, but requires care and cleaning at least once a year.

Animals & Science