479 



HUNTED FOR BOTH FLESH AND FUR. 



His pelt means mouev to the successful 'coon hunter, 

 for his fur is used in the manufacture of robes, coats, 

 capes, etc. In the line O'f this animal being a good arti- 

 cle for food, C. L. Herrick, in Bulletin No. 7, the Mam- 

 mals of Minn., says: 



"The omnivorous and especially the insectivorous habits of 

 this animal render it especially subject to internal parasites, 

 in spite of the most remarkable precautions, which either ex- 

 perience or natural taste has developed in its eating habits. 

 An instance was seen where the body of a Raccoon which had 

 been exposed in the market with other meats, was literally filled 

 with worms of the genus Filaria, several inches long, and 

 these filled with living embryos in all stages of developm3nt." 



Audubon says relating to this: 



"In the dreary months of winter should you be encamped 

 in any of the great western forests, obliged by the pitiless 

 storm to remain for some days, as we have been, you will not 

 be unthankful if you have a fat Raccoon suspended on a tree 

 above your camp, for when kept a while the flesh of this 

 species is both tender and well flavored." 



WHAT FARMERS AND SPORTSMEN SAY ABOUT RAC- 

 COONS. 



.J. B. OVIATT, Norwich, McKean County: 



Raccoons catch fish in the open spring runs in the winter 

 time; Brook Trout are frequently numerous in warm spring 

 brooks during the winter timi^. They do but littlt> damage to 

 farmers. 



JEREMIAH PHILIPS, Garrett, Somerset County: 



The way Raccoon, Mink and Otter catch fish is in small 

 streams and ponds when the water gets low, and the fish have 

 no chance to hide from them. 



W. C. BABCOCK, Blossburg, Tioga County: 



Raccoons will visit corn fields when they are located near 

 the woods. The sport they furnish the farmer and neigh- 

 liors make ii" f<»r the small loss in corn, 



