WAPITI 



distinct family, so that even their claim is a weak one. In 

 some sections domestic swine have become feral and may go 

 by the name of Wild Pig. 



The Peccary is found in a very limited area along the Mexi- 

 can border where it reaches the northern limit of its distribu- 

 tion. The group is a widely ranging and important one to the 

 south and goes far down into South America. 



In the United States this animal frequents the valleys and 

 plains where dense thickets of cactus and mesquite afford it 

 shelter. It may also work up the mountain slopes into the 

 timber, but they do not roam the open plains. Peccaries 

 usually travel in small bands and have the reputation of being 

 dangerous if molested. There are authentic cases known 

 where the Collared Peccary has "treed" man, but under most 

 circumstances these animals are shy and anxious to escape 

 from man. The larger White-lipped Peccary of the south is, 

 perhaps, more deserving of this reputation. 



The Collared Peccary feeds mostly in the morning and along 

 toward evening and during midday seeks a retreat in the 

 brush. When alarmed the bands dash off at a rapid pace. 

 This animal squeals and grunts in a pig-like fashion and has 

 such a strong, peculiar odor, because of the dorsal gland, that 

 it may be detected at some little distance by even such a poor 

 organ as the human nose. I once discovered a band in 

 Panama by scent some time before the animals themselves, 

 came close enough to be seen. 



The Peccary has but two young at a birth and they are 

 reddish in color, quite different from their parents in appear- 

 ance. 



Family Cervidae. Deer 



Males with deciduous, solid antlers (females also, in some 

 cases) which grow from permanent bases or pedicles on the 

 frontal bones; upper incisors wanting; upper canines may or 

 may not be present; second and fifth toes small but usually 

 present. 



Subfamily Cervinae 

 Genus Cervus 



Premolars, §; Molars, f =34.. 

 513 



