Fur
animals have long influenced human culture and
survival. Native Americans utilized
furbearing animals for meat and the insulating
qualities of their pelts as protection from the
cold Montana winters. Fur animals like the
wolverine were considered spiritually powerful.
In about the year 1500, Europeans began to
impact the development of North America through
establishment of the fur trade industry.
The fur trade, especially the beaver trade era
(1550-1840), played an important part in the
exploration and economic development of North
America. The fur trade preceded and opened
the way for the mining, forestry, and
agricultural frontiers of Montana. Today
Montanans value these animals for their fur and
also consider them an important resource for
wildlife viewing and general enjoyment.
The following is a guide to
help you identify the furbearing animals of
Montana. Included are the nine official
Montana furbearers for which annual harvest
seasons are established, six predators, and two
non-game species.
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Badger
Taxidea
taxus
Status:
Sporadic and limited importance to
the fur market. Abundant.
Unprotected predator.
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Bobcat
Felis Rufus
Status:
Very valuable fur animal.
Official Montana furbearer managed
and protected by regulated fur
harvest seasons.
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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.
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Short-Tail Weasel
Mustela
erminea
Status:
Winter pelts of value when fur
prices are high. Unprotected
predator.
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Long-Tail
Weasel
Mustela frenata
Status:
Fur of some value, unprotected
predator.
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Fisher
Martes
pennanti
Status:
Valued fur animal. Official
Montana furbearer managed and
protected by regulated fur harvest
seasons.
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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.
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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.
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Marten
Martes
americana
Status:
Valuable fur animal. Lives in
areas remote from civilization.
Official Montana furbearer managed
and protected by regulated fur
harvest seasons.
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Red Fox
Vulpes
vulpes
Status:
Valuable fur animal, abundant,
unprotected predator.
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Coyote
Canis
latrans
Status:
Valuable fur animal. Abundant.
Unprotected predator.
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Raccoon
Procyon
lotor
Status:
Moderate value as a fur animal.
Abundant. Many people enjoy
viewing them. Non-game animal.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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River Otter
Lutra
canadensis
Status:
Fur is of moderate value.
Official Montana furbearer managed
and protected by regulated fur
harvest seasons.
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