Photo: Riley Fortune, Harrogate. 



THE OTTER (Lutra vulgaiis) 



This member of the Bear tribe of Carnivores is about 2 feet long, with 16 inches more to the strong tail which 

 helps in swimming. The fur is thick and soft, deep brown above. The claws are of use in burrowing, but the 

 hands and feet are likewise webbed for swimming. In its present geographical distribution the Common Otter 

 extends from Ireland to India. It holds its own in virtue of strength, strong claws and teeth, keen senses, alert 

 wits, roving habits, versatility of diet and hunting-grounds, resourcefulness when hard pressed, ability to lie for a 

 long time hidden under a bank, and careful education of the young. 





VIXEN AND HER PLAYFUL CUBS 



The Fox (Canis vulpes) is the only wild member of the Dog tribe of Carnivores now left in Britain. There is considerable 

 variation in size and colour in different parts of the country. Foxes associate in pairs, and the four to seven cubs remain 

 for a considerable time under the care and tuition of the vixen. The young ones are very playful and enterprising. Foxes 

 make "earths" or burrows in hills and woodsides, and most of the day is spent in hiding. They come out at dusk and hunt 

 for small mammals and birds, and a variety of creatures of lower degree down to shellfish on the shore. 



