XXXV. 

 The Canada Otter. 



Lutra canadensis (Schreber). 



(L. lutra, an Otter; canadensis, of Canada.) 



Mustela lutra canadensis ScHREB., 1776, Saug. pi., CXXVI B. 

 Lutra canadensis Sabine, 1823, Franklin's Overland Journey, 



P- 653- 



Type Locality. — Eastern Canada. 



French Canadian, la Loutre du Canada. 

 Cree, Ojib., & Saut., Ne-geek'. 

 Montagnais (Gulf of St. Lawrence), Un'chuch. 

 Chipewyan, Nop'-e-ay. 

 Yankton Sioux, Pe-tang. 

 Ogallala Sioux, Ptan. 



The Weasel Family or Mustelidce are carnivores of long 

 form on short legs, with tail various, ears short, non-retractile 

 claws, and teeth 32 to 38. 



The genus Lutra (Brisson, 1762) comprises Weasels of 

 large size, with short legs, long tails; adapted for life in the 

 water, having dense oily fur, webbed feet, etc. The teeth are 

 as follows: 



inc. ; can. ; prem. ; mol. =26 



3,-3 i-i Z-i 2-2 



In addition to these characters, the Canada Otter has the 

 feet with more or less hairy soles. 



The Muskrat is protected against the cold water by a 

 fine robe of dense fur, the Whale by a thick layer of fat under 

 the skin; the Otter is happy in the possession of both, and can 

 enjoy the coldest of water in the coldest of weather. 



817 



