From the beginning of time, humans have relied on animals for fur, leather, meat and other valuable products. For
several hundred years it was the search for furs that drove the settlement of Canada. During this time over-harvesting
threatened some species populations. However, since the 1930s scientific study has led to government regulations and improved
trapping practices that ensure trapping (for fur, habitat protection or other purposes) is conducted to keep wildlife populations
stable and healthy. Trappers take only part of the surplus that nature produces each year. Endangered species are never used.
Today’s fur trade is, in fact, an excellent example of the sustainable use of renewable resources, a principle shared with
conservation groups around the world.
The greatest threat to furbearers and other wildlife is the loss of habitat as our cities grow and as more land is needed for
agriculture, forestry, mining or other uses. Despite these challenges, most furbearer populations are healthy across North America.
Some species (raccoon, skunk, fox and coyote) even share our towns and cities. The abundance of North American furbearers shows the
caring and commitment of today’s trappers, conservation groups and government
Over 70,000 people are involved in the Canadian fur trade, including some 60,000 First Nations and non-native trappers. These people
and their families rely on furbearer animals for food, clothing and income. Since they want the animals to be there for future generations,
they work with conservation in mind. It is thanks to them that we know as much as we do about this wildlife.
Trapping occurs in all parts of Canada (and around the world) for many reasons: to protect natural habitat, farmland, roads and other
property (for example, from muskrat burrowing or beaver flooding), for disease control (for example, rabies in raccoons and foxes), to
protect endangered species from overly abundant predator populations, for reintroducing species to their historical territories, for
conservation research, as well as for food and furs.
Trapping is highly regulated in Canada to ensure long-term conservation of furbearer populations. Canadian trappers also use methods
that meet the highest animal welfare standards in the world. Our federal, provincial and territorial governments all support trapping
as a responsible wildlife management tool and an important cultural and economic activity for people living in rural and remote regions
across Canada.
We hope this booklet will help you to better understand and appreciate the Furbearers of Canada. It contains the knowledge of those
people who work closest to the land.
Rob Cahill, Executive Director, Fur Institute of Canada
Alan Herscovici, Executive Vice-President, Fur Council of Canada
