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GULO LUSCUS, (LiNN^) (Sabine). 



THE WOLVERINE. 



SpecifiG Character. — Generally dark brown in colour. Tail, except at base, 

 legs, and beneath, black. A lighter broad band on flanks, passing over the base 

 of the tail and rump. A grizzled light patch along the temples. The head is 

 somewhat pointed and closely resembles in shape that of the bear. The ears are 

 very small and nearly concealed in the fur, longer than high, and well coated on 

 both sides with hair. The eyes are very small, scarcely exceeding those of a 

 rabbit. 



Habitat. — Northern half of the United States to the Arctic Ocean. 



Average Size. — Equal to that of a medium sized dog, but in shape more 

 closely resembling a cat. 



Average Weight. — Not obtainable. 



Average Height. — Not obtainable. 



Average Length. — 42 inches ; nose to tail 35 inches, tail 9 inches. 



Value of Fur. — Per skin, average $4,00. 



As will be seen from the measurements and description of this animal, the 

 wolverine is like a small bear with shaggy fur, although it is closely allied to 

 the martens and weasels in general structure. Its feet are large and powerful, 

 and armed with large, sharp, curved claws. The front ones the largest. The 

 most prominent colour is purplish brown. The tail, except at its base, the limbs 

 and under parts generally nearly black. The flanks commencing behind the 

 axilla and passing backwards over the base of the tail, are of a pale tint of chest- 

 nut brown. There is a grizzled patch of mixed hoary and chestnut hairs passing 

 from the central line of the forehead above the eyes, along the temples, and a* 

 little obliquely to the ears. There is a tuft of white hairs on each side of the 

 neck and another between the legs. The wolverine is identical with the glutton 

 of Europe. It is known sometimes in the United States as the Carcajou. This 

 animal has the credit of being very cunning and very ferocious. It is said to lie 

 in waiting on the limb of a tree overhanging a " runway " and when the unsus- 

 pecting deer passes under, manages to drop upon its back, and generally succeeds 

 in bringing it to earth. 



It is hated by hunters and trappers for its propensity to follow their lines 

 of traps and devour either the bait, or captured animals. 



The wolverine is exceedingly scarce, if found at all in southern Ontario, but 

 probably exists in its northern townships. 



