Beaver

 

Castor canadensis

Status: An abundant, important fur animal and water conservationist.  Its value as a fur animal was responsible for much of the early exploration of North America.  Is one of the most intensively studied furbearers in North America.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Bobcat

 

Felis Rufus

 

Status: Very valuable fur animal.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Fisher

 

Martes pennanti

Status: Valued fur animal.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Lynx

 

Felis lynx

 

Status: Internationally important component of the wild fur industry.  Very valuable fur animal.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

 

Note: The lynx was given 'Threatened' status under the Endangered Species Act in 2000.

Marten

 

Martes americana

Status: Valuable fur animal.  Lives in areas remote from civilization.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Mink

 

Mustela vison

Status: This valuable furbearer is one of the most widespread carnivores in North America.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Muskrat

 

Ondatra zibethicus

Status: Very abundant.  One of the most important fur animals in North America.  Can cause damage to dikes by burrowing.  Very valuable fur animal.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

River Otter

 

Lutra canadensis

Status: Fur is of moderate value.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Wolverine

 

Gulo gulo

Status: Wolverine fur is highly valued and widely used in the Arctic and sub-Arctic as ruffs or trim on parkas and other garments.  The most viable and widespread population of wolverines in the contiguous 48 states occurs in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.

 

Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Badger

 

Taxidea taxus

Status: Sporadic and limited importance to the fur market.  Abundant.

 

Unprotected predator.

Coyote

 

Canis latrans

Status: Valuable fur animal.  Abundant.

 

Unprotected predator.

Least Weasel

 

Mustela nivalis

Status: Unprotected predator.

Long-Tail Weasel

 

Mustela frenata

Status: Fur of some value.

 

Unprotected predator.

Raccoon

 

Procyon lotor

Status: Moderate value as a fur animal.  Abundant.  Many people enjoy viewing them.

 

Non-game animal.

Red Fox

 

Vulpes vulpes

 

Status: Valuable fur animal, abundant.

 

Unprotected predator.

Short-Tail Weasel

 

Mustela erminea

Status: Winter pelts of value when fur prices are high.

 

Unprotected predator.

Striped Skunk

 

Mustela mephitis

 

Status: Nationally a valuable fur animal.  Individual pelts are not very valuable but tremendous numbers are taken. 

 

Very abundant non-game animal.