They tried to use wool as a substitute but, in the end, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have decided that their traditional winter hatslined with muskratfur offer superior protection against arctic temperatures. The national police force has issued a tender for 4,470 of the fur-lined hats, much to the dismay of some animal rights groups.
CBC News reports that two to three muskrat pelts are needed for a single hat, which means that about 12,000 muskrats will have to be trapped and killed. The RCMP tender specifies that the “fur must be Eastern Canada or New York state spring muskrat… only extra-large skins with the bellytrimmed off must be used”.
In 2014, in response to pressure from wildlife protection groups, the Mounties introduced wool hats, but the then Conservative government ordered the force to reintroduce the fur hats. Adrian Nelson, of The Fur-Bearers group, said the tender decision was disappointing. “We knew that they would be keeping some of the [fur] hats for some of their cold weather extremes,” Nelson commented. “But it is sad that they’re putting out a tender for such a large amount.”
Trappers, on the other hand, are pleased. “It’s nice to see that recognition of Canadian heritage,” said Alan Herscovici of the Fur Council of Canada. “Trappers in Canada have to take training courses to learn how to use the new humane trapping methods before they get their trapping licences, and it is extremely well regulated by the provincial and territorial wildlife departments,” Herscovici added.
The RCMP says, however, that individual officers can decide for themselves whether they prefer to wear wool or fur hats.