Prices Rise in Fur Industry After Dropping in Late 1980s

North America's fur industry has pulled back from the brink of extinction, showing signs of renewed life as a result of an upswing in world-wide fur prices.

Prices of mink, beaver, raccoon and other pelts are up, fueled by strong demand for furs from newly affluent buyers in such markets as Russia, China and South Korea. A world-wide decline in mink production also has contributed to the price increase. Prices of some pelts are at their highest level in eight years.