Beaver fur

Beaver pelts are traditionally used to make clothing (jackets, coats, trousers, gloves, shoes). Beavers are mainly found in America, Canada and Siberia. Up to the middle of the 20th century, beavers were used in North America as a means of payment for trade with the Indians. The tails of the beaver are hairless. Leather made using beaver tail looks like reptile leather and was used in the past (when fur was more popular) as an alternative to crocodile leather.

In Siberia, beavers were hunted so extensively that only a few remained at the beginning of the twentieth century. Since 1924, beavers have been protected leading to growth in their population.

By the early 1900's, beavers were almost extinct in some parts of Canada. After 1961, following effective protective measures, hunting beavers was permitted to a limited extent. For the Indians, beaver flesh is considered a healthy food source.