Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 05/01) - Fashion trends add up to booming fur sales for trappers living across the country.

Sales result from a renewed interest and acceptance of garments made from the luxurious fabric.

"The fact is when you are buying fur you are supporting people on the land who have a direct interest in watching out for habitat," said Alan Herscovici, executive president of the Fur Council of Canada.

There are more than 80,000 people in Canada involved in the fur industry. The council is calling November Canadian Fur Month. Herscovici said Canada is the undisputed world leader in humane trap research. The public's opinion of trapping is becoming more positive as a result of changing trapping practices.

"Thanks to the research that has been done in Canada, the vast majority of the animals taken now are taken in quick-killing systems," he said.