North Bay, Ontario -- The first wild fur auction of the season last week produced strong turnovers but mixed results on prices at the Fur Harvesters Auction Inc., Dec. 12.

"Pre-sale jitters indicating little demand for beaver and sable evaporated as these two important varieties sold almost 100% during our opening auction," reported the auction company. "Extremely high clearances in all other species also confirm the continuing popularity of wild fur. Although the levels in some types were disappointing, some collections were early, and prices should strengthen somewhat as the more seasonable goods become available next month."

Buying was widespread among Europe and North America. Asia was only lightly represented. Canada took most of the beavers; Europe took sable and wild mink, and Greece dominated in the raccoons. About 55 buyers were in attendance.

The following are results reported in US dollars from the auction company. Comparisons are made to the December 1994 Fur Harvesters sale.

Item	Offering	% Sold	Average	Dec.'94 Avg	Top	Comparison
Beaver	24,116	98	15.88	22.28	45.00	Lg down 20%, sm down 40%
Raccoon	32,110	97	13.61	11.88	22.00	Up 10%
Otter	1,639	96	37.71	67.25	70.00	Down 40%
Sable	15,308	97	28.12	36.73	50.00	Down 22%
Wild mink	9,484	96	14.08	-	21.00	Better demand, unchanged
Muskrat	40,360	95	2.21	2.30	4.40	Firm
Red fox	3,900	95	18.94	21.99	37.00	Unchanged, better & higher
Gray fox	2,412	90	9.77	-	13.00	Unchanged
Coyote	6,607	85	22.22	17.80	34.00	Firm
Fisher	1,386	60	21.73	-	30.00	Unchanged, good females unsold
Hairseal	693	100	15.89	-	28.00
Weasel	1,593	70	2.07	-	4.80
Cross fox	171	98	15.42	-	24.00
Timber wolf	52	75	-	-	150.00
Skunk	145	80	2.91	-	9.00
Opossum	453	100	1.52	-	3.10
Lynx, Lynx cat	-	-	-	-	-	none offered