THE WILD DOGS OF AFRICA 237 



erably larger and more naked, and its tail shorter and not so bushy. 

 At first sight it might be easily taken for a yomig striped hyena, so 

 closely does it resemble that animal in the colors and peculiar markings 

 of its fur, and in the mane of long stiff hair which runs along the neck 

 and back; indeed, it is only to be distinguished by its more pointed 

 head, and by the additional fifth toes of the fore feet. It is also quite 

 hyena-like in color, being of a dull yellowish-gray tint, and marked 

 with dark l)rown stripes and a black muzzle. One who has seen it says : 

 "In its habits and manners the aard wolf resembles the fox. Like 

 that animal it is abroad at night, and constructs an underground 

 burrow, at the bottom of which it lies concealed during the day time, 

 and only ventures abroad on the approach of night to search for food, 

 and satisfy the other calls of nature. It is fond of the society of its 

 own species; at least many individuals have been found residing 

 together in the same burrow; and, as they are of a timid and wary 

 character, they have generally three or four entrances to this hole; so 

 that, if attacked on one side, they may secure a retreat in an opposite 

 direction. Notwithstanding the extra length of their forelegs, they 

 are said to run very fast, and so strong is their disposition to burrow, 

 that one of these animals, perceiving itself about to be run down or 

 captured, immediately ceased its. flight, and began to scratch up the 

 ground, as if with the intention of making a new hole in the ground." 

 Its food consists very largely of carrion, but it also devours ants. 



