I have two bear rugs... Both mounted in Canada. I've had them for about five years. This year (in NC) was very wet and I didn't check on the rugs all summer. I keep them in a non climate controled building. (my archery play room). Now, both have mold-mildew on them... and one of the hides is coming apart (rotting?). Does anyone have suggestions? Needless to say, I'm sick about it. Thanks... Ted
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I can only speculate as to what is happening with your bear rugs. They may have gotten wet, maybe a leaky roof, you will have to answer that yourself. Most likely, they were not properly neutralized when they were tanned, the humidity has been drawn to the acid salts in the skin. It has finially started to show by the hide deteriorating. Take it to a competent taxidermist and have it checked out. Without an examination of your rugs it is impossible to give you a better answer.
Ted, Sorry to hear of this. Our humidity in NC this year goes even beyond the usual high humidity we have every year. I suspect you have had at least some mold problem other years if the hides have been kept in this place in the past even if you did not notice it. Any cement floor or cinder blocks in this construction? First thing is remove to DRY air area with fan, careful cleaning might save the best one but the most fragile may be too far gone. If Pittsboro is near to you I would be happy to look at them for you. -Aaron H.