Pelts Wolf hunting

parchment oppian of apamea illustrating wolf being skinned



wolf pelt geographical variations- mackenzie valley wolf, yukon wolf, yugoslavian wolf , european wolf

wolves commonly hunted fur. color of wolf s fur can vary, pure white of largest, alaskan wolves, through range of reddish brown. so-called grey wolves can include pure black pups in litter, although grey common color. wolves have 2 kinds of hairs; outer coat of long, stiff hairs called guard hairs , undercoat of soft fur grows thick in winter , helps insulate bodies cold; fur has advantage of not freezing. 5 inch (127 mm) long guard hairs shed in spring , summer waterproof, keeping wolf s underfur dry , warm. fur of undercoat may 2 , half inches thick , keep wolf warm in temperatures reaching 40 degrees below zero. wolves in warm climates have shorter guard hairs , less dense underfur. in areas of medieval europe, pelts considered practicality of wolves. pelts made cloaks or mittens, though not without hesitation, because of wolf s strong odor. wolf pelts important many native american tribes , considered powerful medicine. sacred articles wrapped in wolf skin , tribes wove wolf , american bison hair in small blankets. native american hunters used wolf pelts disguises allow them stalk close bison herds. bison accustomed having wolves walk among them , did not fear wolves unless vulnerable because of disease, injury, or if guarding young. wolf pelts valuable clothing, objects trade , ruffs or coats. used in ritual dances , worn shamans, or medicine men. tundra-dwelling wolves valued, pelages more luxuriant of forest dwelling wolves, selling twice much. females typically have smoother coats males. ethiopian wolves not exploited fur, though there occasion in wollo in wolf skins used saddle pads. in russia, between years 1600–1725, wolves not actively sought out fur, not considered major commodity, though taken when opportunity presented itself. in former soviet union, between 1976 , 1988, 30,000 wolf pelts produced annually. recent statistics cites indicate 6,000-7,000 wolf skins internationally traded each year, canada, former soviet union, mongolia , china being largest exporters, , united states , great britain being largest importers. today, wolf pelts still valued parka trim, fur coats , rugs. production of wolf pelts still important source of income arctic communities in alaska , canada.

while not in same class high grade furbearers beaver, otter or mink, gray wolf s fur nonetheless thick , durable, , used scarfs , trimmings of women s garments, though used jackets, short capes, coats, mukluks , rugs. aside bodily protection , adornment, gray wolf pelts have been used camouflage in hunting , warfare, insignia among western native americans , form of currency. quality of wolf peltries rests on density , strength of fur fibre, keeps fur upright , gives pelt appealing bushy aspect. these characteristics found in northern wolf populations, gradually lessen further south in warmer climates. north american wolf pelts among valuable, silkier , fluffier eurasian peltries. in medieval europe, pelts considered practical aspect of wolves, though seldom used, because of skin s foul odour. in scandinavian folklore, wolf-skin girdles assisted in transforming wearers werewolves, while several native american tribes used wolf pelts medicinal purposes. plains indians wore wolf pelts disguises close american bison when hunting. pawnee wore wolf skins capes when exploring enemy territories. united states army used wolf skin parkas during later stages of world war ii , korean war protect faces of soldiers frostbite. in soviet union, 30,000 wolf pelts produced annually between 1976 , 1988. statistics cites indicate 6,000–7,000 wolf skins internationally traded each year, canada, former soviet union, mongolia , china being largest exporters, , united states , great britain being largest importers. overall, harvesting of wolves fur has little impact on population, northern varieties (whose numbers stable) of commercial value. wolf trapping fur remains lucrative source of income many native americans.