4 02 



ZOOLOGY 



Photograph by E. R. Warren, "Mammals of Colorado" 



FIG. 174. Long-tailed Texas skunk (Mephitis mesomelas varians), Crested Butte, 

 Gunnison County, Colorado. The skunk, well known for its odor, differs from 

 most animals in its striking black and white coloration. This is believed to be 

 "warning coloration," enabling would-be enemies to recognize the animal easily 

 and, recalling former experiences, let it alone. Thayer suggests, however, that the 

 peculiar ornamentation breaks up the outline of the creature, as it were, and is 

 actually deceptive or concealing. The reader may form his own opinion from the 

 picture. 



(v) Ursidce. The bears. The polar bear is 

 placed in a distinct genus from the brown, 

 grizzly, and black bears. The typical 

 grizzly bear described by Lewis and Clark 

 appears to be extinct, though related 

 species exist in North America, 

 (vi) Procyonidce. Raccoons ; characteristic 

 American animals. The Asiatic panda 

 is referred to the same family, 

 (vii) Canidce. Dogs, wolves, coyotes, and foxes. 

 The suborder Pinnipedia includes the aquatic carni- 

 vores, seals, sea lions, and walruses. The name 

 "walrus" is a modification of a Scandinavian word 

 meaning "whale horse." The upper canine teeth in 



