Fur trade Russia exported raw furs, consisting in most cases of the pelts of martens, beavers, wolves, foxes, squirrels and hares. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Russians began to settle in Siberia, a region rich in many mammal fur species, such as Arctic fox, lynx, sable, sea otter and stoat (ermine). In a search for the prized sea otter pelts, first used in China, and later for the northern fur seal, the Russian Empire expanded into North America, notably Alaska. From the 17th through the second half of the 19th century, Russia was the world's largest supplier of fur. The fur
Mount Ilgaz National Park ("Vulpes vulpes"), wildcat ("Felis silvestris"), lynx, European pine marten ("Martes martes"), beech marten ("Martes foina"), weasel, rabbit, squirrel, hedgehog, mole, bat, European badger ("Meles meles") and European otter ("Lutra lutra"). Studies showed the existence of 617 taxa in and around the national park. Mount Ilgaz National Park offers opportunities for diverse outdoor sports including hiking, camping and caravaning as well as daily activities. Angling at fishponds situated on Karasu stream in Baldıran Valley is possible between June 15 and September 15. Visitors can also buy trout throughout the year from fish hatcheries in the same area. Another important feature of