The Determination of Sex and Age Ratios in Fur Animals

Abstract

The detn. of sex and age in pelts and carcasses are descr. for the muskrat, raccoon, mink, red fox, gray fox, striped skunk, long-tailed weasel and badger. In the muskrat, the accuracy of the nipple sites as sex detn. aids, and of the internal sex organs, the external genitalia and pelt primeness patterns as age detn. criteria is discussed. Some additional pelt criteria are suggested for increasing the precision of the pelt primeness pattern method of age detn. in this sp. In all other fur-bearers considered, the primary criterion for sex detn. in pelts is the presence or absence of the penis scar of the male. The basic criteria for separating 1st-year from adult animals of these spp. involve development of the teats of females and the bacula of males. Other published and new criteria also are reviewed. Sex and age ratios for Ohio populations of most of these spp. are provided. In the muskrat, age ratios may provide an index to trapping pressure.