What animal was hunted to near extinction by trappers in the late 1800s?

Beavers were desirable in the late 1800’s by individuals in the medical field to the back country person needing some extra warmth, causing them to be hunted to near extinction. The beaver population in North America was once upward of 60 million, but after an increase of beavers being trapped in order to skin them for their pelts, the population is now between 6-12 million.

The reason the beaver was such a desirable animal in the late 1800’s is due to the glands of the beaver being used as a perfume or medicine, as well as the fur being used for warmth or purely fashion purposes.