Arctic Foxes are small animals that are approximately 2-4 feet long and may weigh up to 20 pounds. They thrive in the world's northern barren lands where snow is firm and shallow. A thick winter coat provides enough warmth so that they do not always need to seek shelter, even in the cold months. In the spring, their snow-white fur sheds to reveal a brown or blue-grey summer wardrobe. About the same time, new puppy litters arrive to mating pairs, which raise their young together. Generally, the male fox guards his territory (consisting of many acres of land), and his group (consisting of females and babies).

Surviving in the Polar Regions with sometimes little shelter, the Arctic Fox takes full advantage of his thick winter coat. We have attempted to replicate the beautiful white fur and black tipped tail for your enjoyment also.

A Chinchilla is a chubby "squirrel-like" animal that began its history in the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains of South America (up to 16,000 feet!). The word "Chinchilla" means "Little Chinto", named after a South American Indian Tribe. These small animals are only about 10" long (without the tail), weigh about 2 pounds, and have bushy tails and large ears. Their fur is dense, soft, silvery gray on the top and whitish underneath. They live in communities of up to 100 other Chinchillas.

At one time, the pelts of the chinchilla were collected for the clothing of royalty. It could require up to 100 chinchillas to make one coat! The high demand for the beauty and the warmth of the Chinchilla fur (starting from the 16th century) has resulted in their near extinction. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species* the Chinchilla is classified as "Vulnerable" with a "suspected reduction of at least 20% over the last 10 years…" ** Today the Chinchilla population is making a comeback because they are protected plus they are being raised in ranches for pets.

We have chosen to pay tribute to the enduring beauty of the Chinchilla by creating our faux fur throw and pillow cover. In this way, we feel that many may enjoy its warmth and beauty without the sacrifice of these small animals.

*International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

**Contreras, L 1996. Chinchilla lanigera. In: IUCN 2003. 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Information retrieved on September 23, 2004 from www.redlist.org.

There are many variations of the swift Leopard. There are also many species that are falsely called Leopards, such as the Snow Leopard, the Clouded Leopard, the Jaguar and the Cheetah. One animal that really is a Leopard but is not called a Leopard is the Black Panther. The well known Black Panther is a Leopard with a melanistic gene that causes the animal to have black fur.

The North African Leopard may grow up to 8' feet long and weigh as much as 210 pounds! To keep itself fed, this nocturnal hunter may capture and dine on animals as large as a Wildebeest (which is 4-5' tall at the shoulders and may weigh up to 600 pounds!). In fact, the Leopard can carry an animal up a tree that weighs three times its weight. That is one hungry cat!

This large cat lives in Africa and southwest Asia in wooded areas and lowland forests. However, it is classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species* as "Critically Endangered" with an "extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future…" and has a "…population estimated to number less than 250 mature individuals". **

Our Leopard throw and pillow cover has attempted to replicate the rich browns and cinnamon colors modeled by the North African leopard.

*International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

**Cat Specialist Group 1996. Panthera pardus ssp. panthera. In: IUCN 2003. 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved on September 23, 2004 from www.redlist.org.

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Lynx is the tuft of hair on the tip of each ear, growing up to one inch long! The beautiful animal also looks like it sports a shaggy beard. These big cats enjoy mature forests or dense shrubs of the northern hemisphere. Their darker chestnut colored fur is usually on the top and sides of the animal, with the lighter colored fur protecting their long legs and underside.

Population of the Lynx is declining in many areas of the world. In fact, the Iberian Lynx (found in Spain and Portugal) is classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species* as "Critically Endangered" with an "extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future…" **

Although we have commemorated the chestnut colored Iberian Lynx in our faux fur throw and pillow cover; the large cat can be seen in many different shades, depending on what species it is and where it lives.

*International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

**Cat Specialist Group 2001. Lynx pardinus. In: IUCN 2003. 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Information retrieved on September 23, 2004 from www.redlist.org.

The Ocelot looks very similar to a domestic cat, but unlike most house cats it may grow to 4 feet long with an additional 1 1/2 feet on its tail. The Ocelot's fur shows off an ornate pattern of spots and stripes that distinguish it from other wild cats. In fact, it is said that no two Ocelots have the same pattern of spots! After relaxing in the trees for hours each day, these agile cats hunt for dinner in the dark.

The Ocelot lives in the wild, in South and Central America among the forests and grassy plains. At one time, they numerously roamed the southwestern areas of North America, such as Arizona and Texas, which is why even today this beautiful animal is called the "Texas Ocelot". However, deforestation and the fur trade have contributed to its near disappearance. The Ocelot is classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species* as "Endangered" with a "very high risk of extinction…" and has a "…population estimated to number less than 250 mature individuals". **

The fur of the Ocelot is stunning to see, especially when it covers a large enough area to fully view and admire the striped and spotted patterns. This is why we are proud to offer our products as a symbol of this animal's striking beauty.

*International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

**Cat Specialist Group 1996. Leopardus pardalis ssp. albescens. In: IUCN 2003. 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved on September 23, 2004 from www.redlist.org.

A jet black mask sits between the snow white brow and muzzle of the Raccoon, keeping the animal's eyes and thoughts secret to the human onlooker. White fur fills its highly sensitive ears, and thick gray/brown fur keeps its stout body warm through the winter months. The Raccoon's fur darkens in the humid dense forests, but lightens to a reddish color if the animal habitats in arid climates. Thickness also varies according to location. A thicker coat is found on Raccoons that live in the colder north, while thinner coats cover those living in the northern parts of South America. Thick or thin, black or red, the Raccoon is still hunted for its beautiful fur.

In addition to its “Lone Ranger” mask, the Raccoon's striped tail triggers intrigue. Beyond the noticeable 5-7 bands of dark fur, the Raccoon's bushy tail is also practical. It keeps the animal balanced and it stores fat during the winter months. Perhaps due to its nocturnal life style in addition to its unique fur pattern, the Raccoon has retained its mystic despite the fact that it can become an annoyance to some. Tiny hairless fingers search for delicacies through front yards and sometimes back doors. Nonetheless, the Raccoon remains an icon of mystery and beauty. We are proud to offer our faux Raccoon products so that you can enjoy its beauty too.