Although closely related to polecats and other members of the weasel family, skunks have recently been re-categorized into their own niche subfamily in the world of North and South American mammals. Those descendants have since evolved into 12 species, most of which may be a common visitor in your backyard depending on where you live.
Fur use - Perspective from a retired forester and wildlife manager
Trapping especially has a tendency to be heavily criticized. In contrast, its also an activity that is heavily supported by professionals as an integral tool in the wildlife management playbook. While licensed trappers are often the primary focal point of criticism and scorn, what is NOT often recognized is the working relationship between state agencies, wildlife professionals, licensed trappers, and the general public.
White Mountain Trappers: The Lynx of the Notch
Meandering through the notches and scenic byways in the shadow of the White Mountains gives one time to reflect, ponder, and envision what life would be like in such a remote area. Its hard to imagine that the once pristine and vast wilderness of the Whites (now heavily laden with tourists and recreationalists of all stripes) was once home to many a die-hard yankee - living off the land and its self-reliant spoils.
Trappers assist biologists with Wolverine ecology insight
Amid the technology age of satellite mapping and swelling popularity of trail cameras, wildlife experts are still tapping the fur trappers’ knowledge to seek out important data on elusive predators. In Alberta, for example, biologists are looking to gain a better understanding of wolverine distribution across the Canadian province, and reaching back through decades of trapper reports and observations to do it.