MAMMALS OF MINNESOTA. 101 
quarry beneath the fatal spot. — — — We may remember also 
that the history of the Wolverene is mixed, in some cases, with 
that of other animals, some of whose habits have been attribu- 
ted to it. Thus Charlevoix speaks of the ‘Carcajou or Quinca- 
jou, akind of cat,’ evidently, however, having the Cougar 
(Felis concolor) in view, as appears from the rest of his remarks.” 
The name ‘‘Carcajow” appears in Carver’s Travels (p. 420), and 
as the animal purports to be found in Minnesota, it may be in- 
teresting to quote the paragraph in full: 
«THE CARCAJOU.—This creature, which is of the cat kind, 
is a terrible enemy to the preceding four species of beasts. 
He either comes upon them from some concealment unper- 
ceived, or climbs up into a tree, and taking his station in some 
of the branches, waits till one of them, driven by an extreme 
of heat or cold, takes shelter under it, when he fastens upon 
his neck, and opening the jugular vein, soon brings his prey to: 
the ground. This he is enabled to do by his long tail, with 
which he encircles the body of his adversary ; and the only 
means they have to shun their fate, is by flying immediately to 
the water. By this method, as the Carcajou has a great dislike 
to that element, he is sometimes got rid of before he can effect 
his purpose.” 
In this case the reference can only be to the puma, though 
partly fabulous. The single species of Gulo is circumpolar, 
and abounds to far north, Its southern limit is about 40° in 
suitable locations, although only a few instances are known of 
its occurrence so far south. In Minnesota I have no informa- 
tion of the animal, although it must have once existed here. 
In Europe this animal once ranged (as proven by quarternary 
remains) as far south as the Alps and Pyrenees, but is now re- 
stricted to the polar regions. In Asia the range is considerably 
greater. The wolverene is not strictly nocturnal, but, where 
abundant, may be encountered at any time of day or night, and 
in all seasons. He preys on small animals, and will even 
attack young caribou and deer. But the taste is not discrimi- 
nating, everything being eaten which chance may throw in the 
way; even carrion is not rejected in case of need. The great 
stories told of his voracity constitute the bulk of the history of 
the animal, but he seems to be particularly characterized by 
marvelous cunning and endurance. The marten trapper often 
finds a skillful and inveterate energy in this large member of 
the marten family. A line of traps is visited as assiduously by 
the glutton as by the owner, and with disastrous results, for 
