The commercial fur trade is dominated by two different nocturnal semi-aquatic carnivores. Both belong to the Mustelidae family, known as Mustelidae. They have been caught and bred specifically for their fur.
American mink (Neovison vison ) is found throughout North America. It is not found in the dry American Southwest. Lengths range from 17 inches to 29 inches. Adult weight up to 3.5 pounds.
The Eurasian mink (Mustela lutreola ) lives on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. It is slightly smaller than its American cousin.
Their fur tells stories of survival and value. The fur is rich brown. The base wool is thick and soft. Smooth protective bristles cover a soft layer. This construction keeps them dry and warm.
Wild mink fur is usually more expensive than “ranch mink” fur. There is one exception. Mutated colors are produced by hybridization. These unusual variations add value. In normal wild fur, nature wins.
