44 



SUBONGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



digs out of their burrows, leaving dangerous trap-holes foi 

 the unwary traveler. 



Fig.51*. 



Fig. 55. 



Tassidga americctna, Badger. 



The Wolverine inhabits the northern parts of Europe and 

 America, Extravagant stories are told by trappers of its 

 strength and ferocity,* whereas it is harmless to man, and 



only annoying by de- 

 vouring animals caught 

 in traps, and by destroy- 

 ing the hunter's hoards. 

 "With a sagacity rarely 

 permitting it to be en- 

 snared, it skillfully tears 

 q| the trap to pieces, and 

 carries off the bait. 



The River Otter has 

 but one species in North America, though it ranges from 

 Hudson's Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Its webbed feet exhibit 



* Thus we are gravely informed that the Wolverine will drop from a tree upon 

 the back of an animal passing underneath, and, clinging to its neck with long tren- 

 chant claws, tear open the blood-vessels until the poor victim falls lifeless. 



Gulo luscus, Wolverine or " Glutton." 



