Photo gallery: the flourishing business of polar bear pelts

Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. held its first fur auction of 2012 on Jan. 6. Located in North Bay, Ont., the fur auction house attracts buyers from all over the world. Furs up for auction included polar bear, black bear, beaver, timber wolf, red fox, bobcat, wolverine, coyote, ring seal, wild mink, raccoon, and muskrat. The two-day event allows buyers to inspect and purchase furs through auction. (Jessica Darmanin/Maclean’s)