Russian+Alaska

**Russian Alaska (1733-1867):**
In the 1700's and early 1800's, the Russian fur traders called "Promyshlenniki" came to Alaska to hunt these animals for their pelts, which were sold for a high price in China and Western Europe. Sea otters were hunted to near extinction. Their fur was so plush and dense that a single otter skin might equal three times a man's yearly income. It was no wonder that the sea otter was hunted to near extinction.

The sea otters were not the only ones in danger of extinction. The Russian fur traders were ruthless to the Aleut people. They forced the men to do their hunting, while holding their families hostage. The Aleut hunters would then have to barter their fur pelts for their families. The Aleuts were exposed to measles, smallpox and other sickness brought over by the Russians. In 1741, the year Vitus Bering claimed Alaska for Russia, there were 12,000 - 15,000 Aleuts. Sixty years later, the population dwindled to 2,000.

The Stellar Sea Cow became extinct in 1768, 27 years after it had been discovered by the Europeans. They were hunted for their skin to make boats and for food. Their fat was used as a butter substitute and for lamp oil, because it didn't give off any smoke or odor and could be kept a long time without spoiling.