CHAPTER VII. 



THE SMALLER CARNIVORA. 



THE RACCOON FAMILY. 



A LINK between the Bears and the Weasel 

 Tribe is made by the RACCOONS and 

 their allies. They are bear-like in hav- 

 ing a short, thick body, and in their flat-footed 

 manner of walking ; also in their habit of sitting 

 up on end, and using their paws as hands, to 

 some extent, in aiding them to climb. But they 

 are also much like the Civets ; and the pretty 

 little CACOMIXLE, or RING-TAILED CAT of Mexico, 

 was formerly classed with the civets. They are 

 all very active, enterprising, and quick-witted 

 creatures of no great size, very different in 

 temperament from the bears. 



Photo bj Scholastic Photo. Co.] [Parjon'j Grein 



COMMON RACCOON 



THE RACCOON. 



This is the typical representative of the Raccoon Family. It is found 

 in most parts of the United States, and also in South America. 



The type of the family is the AMERICAN 

 RACCOON itself. Its scientific name of " Loter," 

 the " Washer," was given to it from an odd habit these creatures have of wetting and washing their 

 food in any water which is near. One kept at the Zoo washed her kittens so much when they 



were born that they all died. ^^m^^^^^^^^^^^^m 



The 'coon inhabits ' 1 



America from Canada to the 

 south as far down as Para- 

 guay. In size it is equal to 

 a common fox, but is short 

 and stout. Restless, inquisi- 

 tive, and prying, it is a most 

 mischievous beast where farm- 

 yards and poultry are within 

 reach. It kills the fowls, 

 eats the eggs, samples the 

 fruit, and if caught shams 

 dead with all the doggedness 

 of an opossum. It is very 

 fond of fish and shell-fish. 

 Oysters are a special dainty, 

 as are mussels and clams. 



P kit, b, C. RtU] 



, N.B. 



RACCOON 



This animal has the habit of always washing its food, if possible, before it eats it 

 125 



