1/2 



THE BEARS 



the Gulf of Mexico. It is now very rare. The Pacific 

 coast islands were formerly the seat of important fisheries, 

 but in eighteen years I have seen but one otter, the little 

 animals having been almost entirely exterminated. 



Fig. 159. — The Sea Otter. 



The sea otter (Fig. 159) is a large animal attaining a 

 weight of eighty or more pounds. It is famous for its 

 playfulness. It has enormous hind feet, which are webbed; 



A 



Fig. 160. — Feet of Mammals. 



indeed, its feet are so pecuHar that it is interesting to com- 

 pare them (Fig. 160) with those of other animals to 

 illustrate the strange modifications to suit place and 

 circumstance. 



