ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 31 



of the country, frequenting the banks of streams and swampy 

 ground. In the West there is scarcely a stream on the 

 banks of which its footprints are not visible ; it feeds on fish, 

 fresh-water shell-fish, and is closely allied to the otter in 

 many of its habits ; it can remain a long time under water, 

 either when pursued or when searching for food. An odor 

 is said to be emitted by it when attacked, somewhat between 

 that of a cat and a skunk ; when closely pressed it sets its 

 pursuer at bay, arching its back like a cat, snarling and 

 turning with the greatest rapidity, and makes a desperate 

 resistance before it is captured. 



To a casual observer the Mustelidce would seem very 

 scarce ; but as night is the season for their operations, they 

 seldom or never shew themselves by day ; their habitat may 

 be frequently passed by unwittingly, except when winter 

 reveals it by their trail in the snow. In the woods and rocky 

 regions of the West and Hudson Bay they are most numer- 

 ous ; but enough are left everywhere for them not to be 

 classed among the rarer animals. 



The OTTER (Jjutra Canadensis} was long confounded 

 with its European congener, till proved by Sabine to be dis- 

 tinct. It is found throughout the whole continent. 



Description. Amphibious ; broad palmate feet ; tail more 

 or less horizontally flattened ; head broad and rounded ; blunt 

 muzzle ; ears very short ; eyes small. 



The otter feeds exclusively on fish, and aquatic animals, 

 though in a state of domestication it will devour raw meat. 

 It fights with great fierceness, and is more than a match for 

 a common sized dog. Its legs are very short, and its feet 

 webbed, and better fitted for swimming than for running upon 

 land ; being so eminently aquatic in its habits, it is seldom 

 seen far from the water. 



The otter is becoming scarce as the country is being 

 cleared up ; and is, like the Indian, compelled to give way 

 before the approach of man, retiring further westward and 



