Does anyone know if there have been any safety issues with any kinds of taxidermy and children handling? I am helping sort through a childrens museum collection and they have everything from stuffed birds, skull, bear rugs, pelts, armadillo?
Thanks is advance.
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We usually recommend that specimens NOT be handled but thatis for the sfety of the specimen not the handlers.
Some mounts of long ago were laced with arsenic as preservative and or a bug proofing method, and many taxidermist had gotten sick from using it. That method is not practiced today as modern methods have arrived. If you need to clean some of the old mounts, be careful. Some item's kids may handle as antlers if they have all meat and flesh removed and sanitized. Furs may be handled as long as they are dry and not greasy or covered with mildew. However, old mounts should not be touched by anyone unless giving care to them.
Thanks for your response. I knew there were concerns but I didn't know the reason.
Do you know the time period or the date after which mounts would be safe.
Would a armadillo also be a concern? Or only mounts with fur?
Thanks again.
There was an excellent article on business liability in a recent Breakthrough. Kids do strange things. Wires can poke out of old mounts and into kids. Eyes might be swallowed. Allergic reactions, arsenic, insecticides...best to have the insurance. You know how it is these days...spill some hot coffee on your lap and in steps Mr. Weasel lawyer to the rescue.