Bought a bear- now what?

[Nephythys]

I have always wanted a bear skin rug- and now I have one. A neighbor is moving and they had one- a polar bear no less, and I got him for a great deal.

He's not in perfect shape-he has some tears in his pelt. His head is in excellent condition all things considered but needs some TLC. I am going to need to take off the lining and make a new one.

Does anyone know anything about cleaning these type of thing? Or anything pertaining to caring for a animal pelt?

Thanks for any advice.

[Primaleick]

I think that's cruel, but that's me.

[Nephythys]

The thing is OLD- bought at an auction years and years ago. The bear was killed by someone unknown to me, not for my benefit and now I have him. Given that polar bears are not often hunted (that I know of) I suspect he is older than I thought.

Does anyone have something to offer besides guilt?

[Jul]

have you tried contacting a local taxidermist? they might be able to tell you the best way to care for the rug..

[DRD2001]

A taxidermist is a great idea. Or a local hunting group. Also a furrier may have some suggestions, seeing as how they keep coats in good condition. Me, I could never have a rug like that in my house. I'd come home to find the cats treating it like some giant furry mouse toy and chewing on the head. It wouldn't last long. :D

[Pip_The_Great]

yeah, I would concur on the taxidermist thing. Sorry I don't have anything new to suggest. Perhaps a site that may discuss caring for fur coats would have information that could apply to the rug? Now all you need is a huge wood panneled library with a fireplace, lol.

[Nephythys]

LOL- yep....a roaring fire, a snifter of brandy and Farscape on a big screen TV-

[BrowderChick]

Definately a taxidermist will be able to help you and fix everything to make it like new again.

[Judith]

I don't think it's cruel...at least it's being used, rather than thrown away, which would be to me a far greater disrespect of life.

That said, I don't have any practical advice.

[DRD 1812]

Taxidermist is the best way to go. They know what they're doing!

[BrowderChick]

Personally I dont think I would want something like that in my house.

[Madre Farbot]

I've been able to dig up just one useful taxidermist's resource, which may lead to the info you're looking.

Taxidermy.Net/Links (http://www.taxidermy.net/information/links1.html)

You know, if I had spotted one of these things on someone's floor I would probably end up laughing me mivonks off. It's just that I get this picture inside my mind of some bear just minding his own business, clicking his fingers/nails and humming a tune in his head ...What a wonderful world...

And all of a sudden some grand-piano comes flying out of a sixth-story window and flattens the mutha. :rollin:

But to be honest, I don't think I'd like to have a thing like that following me around the room, err, I mean with his eyes!

Although, having stated that, I wouldn't mind having some novelty stuffed cartoon character trophy adorning the walls. :D

[Owlman]

I must admit that Nephythys' rug reeks of awsomeness!

[Nephythys]

Thanks for the tips. I never thought of going to a taxidermist. I'll have to check that out.

It is a very unique item. The people who bought him got him at an auction- they have had him for years (and he is surely much older than that given how they got him). I don't find him the least bit creepy- although my cats were a bit put out- after all, he has bigger teeth than they do. :)

[malachilenomade]

I wouldn't go for a bear skin rug... I would like to get what my friends refer to as a "fleecey-sheepy." A rug with LOOOONG hair (fake) which is quite comfy and warm to lay on.

[kymom5613]

Ben on a bearskin rug.....whoops, did I just say that out loud! (Sorry, Mrs. Browder, no disrespect, just admiring the scenery even if it's ONLY in my imagination!)

[BrowderChick]

Now theres a thought. :D

[trinamick]

Better than Burt Reynolds on a bare skin rug. :yuck:

[Judith]

Does anyone else keep reading the subject as "Bought a beer - now what?"

drink it you fool!

[DRD2001]

Does anyone else keep reading the subject as "Bought a beer - now what?"Yup, everytime I read it. :P

[arthurfrdent]

um, you may also want to hang it on the wall if you have it re-backed and stuff... and have it appraised, because it may be worth insuring, due to it's rarity...

and you can also crawl under it and really freak the cats out... rarrrr :aok:

[BrowderChick]

Does anyone else keep reading the subject as "Bought a beer - now what?"

drink it you fool!
:lol I do too. :lol

[Nephythys]

huh- turns out (at least according to the site I checked) polar bears are NOT endangered. Not even threatened.

I have rarely seen a polar bear skin rug...found one on ebay going for over $1500. I got a sweet deal paying only $50. Even the money it will take to fix him is going to be way under that!!!

I wish I knew more about his history- but it will be a cool unique item to own.

[trinamick]

Put sunglasses on him. Then it'll look like he got iced at a party. :D

[BrowderChick]

:D And here I thought polar bears only drank Coke. :lol

[who45]

Does anyone else keep reading the subject as "Bought a beer - now what?"

drink it you fool! yep

[zelbinion]

This link is a "how to" guide for skinning the rug, However, the company has a contact form and a phone number on the site, they'd be glad to help.

http://www.mytaxidermy.com/howTo_rugs.html