Do you have to kill a yak in order to get its fur?

Answer 1

The answer depends on what species and where.

European minks should never be killed. They are an endangered species in the Old World because of the introduction of their relative, the American mink.

American minks should probably be killed in the Old World, unless European minks are unlikely to return. Ecologically, the American and European minks occupy very similar niches and in terms of environmental impact, the American mink is a reasonable substitute for the European species.

In South America, the American minks should especially be killed. They have escaped from fur farms on that continent and are not native. The ecology of South America is less well-known than that of the northern continents, and South America has species of fish, amphibians, small mammals, birds and aquatic invertebrates that are quite distinct from North American species and could be eaten by minks. American minks usually exist at low population densities and exploit many different types of prey, so the risk of this is low. However, there is also the issue of minks competing with South American small carnivores and interfering with their ecological roles, which are not well understood. Thus, the American mink could pose an ecological threat to that region.

In North America, minks should probably not be killed. They are not endangered, but habitat destruction and pollution have reduced their populations in some areas. A small amount of hunting and trapping would have a low impact on their numbers and the population can recover quickly. However, minks are charismatic animals that fill a unique semi-aquatic niche and add beauty and energy to the waterside environment, much like their relatives the otters. Minks are more distant relatives of cats and dogs, and are equally intelligent with many similar behaviors.

Fur farmed minks present a special case. Fur farms will feed minks a diet that includes fish meal, which is likely to be obtained by fisheries that harvest the fish unsustainably, generate high rates of bycatch or destroy the marine habitat. Any captive carnivore requires animal-based food, which is a less efficient use of land area than plant-based food. Like many other animal species, minks are also becoming domesticated and interbreeding with wild animals. This is a threat to minks, but no more than the existence of dogs is a threat to wolves and coyotes. Fur farms are also responsible for the introduction of populations of mink outside their natural range, both from escapees and from deliberate releases by animal rights activists and the fur farmers themselves. Fur farming has led to environmental problems, but that is the fault of the farmers not the minks.

Answer 2

Yes, it's pulled of while still attached to the skin of the animal. Not like sheep where the skin stays and the wool is sheared off.

Answer 3

Yes the mink is usually killed by a licensed trapper then the fur is sold to a coat maker.

Answer 4

Of course they do! What, do you think they just grow their skin and fur back? Their fur is attached to their hide!

Answer 5

yes