What to Know About Hanging a Bear Rug
Planning a bear hunt? A bear rug is one of the most beautiful focal points you could have in your home or cabin. The Grizzly and black bear, native to the United States and Canada, are both one of the largest and most sought-after North American predators for taxidermy collectors.
As you likely already know, the time that goes into a Grizzly or black bear rug is lengthy and meticulous – from the initial hunt and bringing the cape to us, to the finishing touches of the taxidermy process, to the safe delivery to your doorstep.
All of the time that goes into making a stunning bear rug probably leaves you wondering – “how do I properly hang a bear rug?”
In this article, we’ll go over 9 steps for how to hang a bear rug, what materials to use, and how to display it properly:
Materials You Need for Hanging a Bear Rug
To hang a bear rug on your wall, you will need the following materials:
- Newspaper Sheets: Used to create a pattern for the rug, making it easier to determine placement on the wall without having to hold the bear rug up directly.
- Painter’s Tape: Helps secure the newspaper sheets together to cover the bear rug and protect the wall during the hanging process.
- Marker: Used to trace the outline of the bear rug onto the newspaper pattern, ensuring accurate placement on the wall.
- Curved Upholstery Needle: For attaching D-rings securely to the bear rug’s felt and backing without damaging the hide.
- D-Rings: These are sewn into the bear rug’s backing and are used to hang the rug securely. At least six are recommended, with more for heavier rugs.
- Small Wall Hooks: Installed into the wall to hold the D-rings. These should be strong enough to support the weight of the bear rug.
- Wood Screws: Needed to attach the wall hooks securely to the wall studs, ensuring stability and preventing accidents.
- Drywall Anchors: Used when wall studs are not available to provide additional support for the hooks.
- Drill and Drill Bits: Required to create holes for the wood screws and drywall anchors in the wall.
- Mallet: Gently taps drywall anchors into place before attaching hooks.
Steps for How to Hang a Bear Rug
Bear rugs have been a popular choice for animal décor for a long time. Fortunately, for the bear rug enthusiast, hanging a bear rug is not a difficult process. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Use Pieces of Newspaper and Tape
To start with hanging a bear rug, you’ll first take pieces of newspaper and tape enough sheets together with small strips of painter’s tape to cover the bear rug.
Using newspaper and tape properly will help ensure that the bear rug is safe during the hanging process.
Step 2: Place the Newspaper on the Floor and Set the Bear Rug Down
The next step in hanging a bear rug is to spread out the newspaper on the floor and then carefully move the bear rug over the newspaper, setting it down gently.
Be sure to handle with care so you don’t damage the fur during the transferring process.
Step 3: Use a Marker to Trace Around the Bear
Next, use a marker to make a pattern around the bear. This will help you figure out where to hang the bear without spending time trying to hold it up against the wall to determine placement.
Step 4: Carefully Slip the Newspaper Out From Under the Bear
At this point, you can now carefully remove the newspaper. Lift or roll one side of the rug up and scrunch the newspaper under it as far as you can toward the opposite side.
Then, lift the other side of the bear rug and slide the newspaper out from under it.
Step 5: Hold the Newspaper Pattern Up Against the Wall
Now, hold the newspaper pattern up against the wall until you are 100% certain of exactly where you want the rug to hang. To help keep the bear rug hanging securely, you should use at least two studs. (This is especially true if you reside in an area that experiences earthquakes.)
Once you’ve found the right spot on your wall, you can lightly mark where the paws and head will go.
Step 6: Set the Bear Rug Onto Its Back
Use a curved upholstery needle to attach D-rings to the bear hide, making sure to poke the curved needle through the felt and into the backing to guarantee a secure hold. Then, place one D-ring on each paw and another on the underside of its muzzle, and one in its middle, for a minimum of six.
If it is a very heavy bear, like a large Black bear or Grizzly, you’ll want to attach a few more D-rings at your discretion.
Step 7: Place the Paper Pattern on top of the Bear Rug and Mark the D-Rings
The next step for how to hang a bear rug is to hold the pattern up to the wall, lining it up with the marks you made previously in Step 5.
Once you’ve done that, then mark where the D-rings are.
Step 8: Attach Small Hooks to the Wall
You’re getting close to the finish line. Now that you’ve marked the D-Rings, you can attach small hooks to the wall in the places that you marked.
Use wood screws to attach the hooks to the stud. Drill holes for the drywall anchors and tap them gently into place with a mallet. Then, screw the hooks into the drywall anchors.
Step 9: Mount Your Bear on the Wall
Lastly, you are finally ready to mount your bear rug onto the wall. Do this by slipping the D-rings over the hooks.
Notes on How to Display Your Bear Rug
Undecided on how you should display your bear rug? Although we cover wall mounting in this article, there are other ways you can show off your bear hunt!
- Wall Mounting: One of the most popular methods is to hang the bear rug on the wall, showcasing it as a piece of art. This technique highlights the bear’s shape and fur patterns while adding a rustic or natural touch to the room. Wall mounting is ideal for large spaces such as living rooms, offices, or cabins.
- Floor Display: Placing the bear rug on the floor is a traditional method that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This approach works well in areas where the rug can be seen and appreciated, such as in front of a fireplace or in a bedroom. Ensure the floor is a low-traffic area to prevent wear and tear on the fur.
- Draped Over Furniture: For a unique and dramatic look, drape the bear rug over a piece of furniture, such as a sofa, chair, or bed. This method allows the bear’s natural curves to complement the furniture’s structure, creating a visually appealing focal point.
- Mounted on a Board or Frame: Mounting the bear rug on a wooden board or within a frame can provide additional support and make it easier to display on walls or stand upright against a surface. This method also protects the rug from damage and adds a polished, museum-like quality.
- Ceiling Display: Hanging a bear rug from the ceiling can be an unexpected and striking display choice, especially in spaces with high ceilings or rustic-themed décor. This technique allows the rug to be viewed from all angles and creates an impressive visual effect.
Bear Rug Species
Grizzly Bear Rugs
The majestic Grizzly bear is one of North America’s largest mammals. As a result, it will make a stunning addition to your living room or cabin, and will likely be the focal point of your taxidermy collection. The sprawled out Grizzly bear rug will look gorgeous hanging up on your wall as a trophy to look back and reminisce over your hunting trip for many years to come.
Black Bear Rugs
You can also use the steps for how to hang a bear rug above for the black bear species. The American black bear is among our most popular taxidermy animals. This bear ranges from dark brown to jet black in color. The beautiful dark fur will look stunning as a black bear rug!
Since the Grizzly is a larger species when compared with the American black bear, we recommend that you add more D-rings for better security.
At All-Taxidermy, we have black bear rugs, Grizzly bear rugs, and other species of bear native to Europe and Asia. Get a rundown of our pricing here for bear rugs, life size bear mounts, and more.
Shop Bear Rugs from All-Taxidermy
Our store has the largest selection of new bear rugs and new wildlife mounts available online. When you purchase a rug or mount from us, you can be sure you will receive the exact, unique rug from the website pictures.
We take extra effort to provide multiple pictures of every single rug so that our customers will be comfortable knowing what the pelt looks like from every angle. We also provide custom bear taxidermy services for black, brown, Grizzly, and various other species of bear!
Contact Us
Shop our wide selection of bear rugs here, or contact us for a custom piece or for more information about how to hang a bear rug properly and overall fur pelt care.
