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, a kind of cat,' evidently, however, having the Cougar 

 (Felis concolor) in view, as appears from the rest of his remarks." 

 The name "Carcajou" 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 



