THE WEASEL FAMILY OTTERS. 



197 



generally found in pairs, or family parties of five or six. 

 They are somewhat deficient in sight, but the other senses 

 are well developed. When excited they give a yelping 

 bark, and are said to sound a sort of whistle as an alarm 

 note to their fellows. Otters build their homes in the 

 hollows under roots of trees near the water's edge, or in 

 hilly districts in the clefts between the rocks; sometimes 

 their abodes have several entrances, one of which opens 

 under the water. The young may be produced at any 

 time, although winter is the usual season; they are born 

 blind, and a litter generally contains from two to five 

 cubs, which can easily be tamed if caught when young. 

 The North American Otters are said to travel so fast in 

 going across country from river to river, that it is hard 

 for a man to overtake them; on the ice they progress by 

 making a series of jumps, and then sliding on their bel- 

 lies as far as the impetus thus acquired will carry them. 

 They have a curious habit of sliding down smooth or 

 steep banks of snow or mud, and are caught in steel traps, 

 set under the water at the bottom of one of these slides, 

 or under the snow at the top. They are animals of high 

 general intelligence, and very successful in evading traps. 

 When domesticated they will follow like a dog. 



OTTER 



