Provincial wildlife biologist Brad Potter says trappers are valuable in wildlife management. (CBC)

With prices for furs doubling and tripling over the last few years, more people on P.E.I. are out trapping wild animals this winter.

Just five years ago a fox pelt was worth $32 dollars. Now, it's $95. The price for the pelt of the most commonly trapped animal on P.E.I., the muskrat, has gone from $5 to $13.

That increase in prices has attracted more people to trapping. There were only about 100 licensed trappers five years ago. Now there are closer to 150.

"We certainly see it as a positive," said provincial wildlife biologist Brad Potter.

"Trapping is a traditional outdoor activity. It's both sustainable and highly regulated. But it's also important to note that trappers have been and continue to be a valuable partner to the department in wildlife management."

Trappers need to take mandatory training before they can be licensed.

P.E.I. trappers say there is increased demand from consumers in China and Russia. P.E.I. exports a $250,000 worth of in wild fur, up from about $50,000 five years ago.


  • This story previously stated there were 50 trappers on P.E.I. five years ago. There were, in fact, about 100.
    Jan 21, 2014 1:43 PM AT